#HUNLEY SUBMARINE MODEL SERIES#

One final adjustment was made after her second sinking, when General Beauregard ordered that the Hunley was no longer to attack submerged, making alterations to the spar necessary before her mission. Although originally designed with a 150-foot-long rope used to trigger the explosive, recent discoveries of copper cable and battery components point to a possibility that the Hunley’s torpedo was actually activated electronically. The Hunley would ram her target, leaving the torpedo behind, and retreat to a safe distance before detonation.

Designed to be used underwater for maximum destructive power, the torpedo featured a barbed point that was designed to stick in an enemy vessel’s side. The spar torpedo, much like the bang-sticks carried by divers to fend off sharks, was a 90 pound explosive charge attached to a 22-foot-long spar emerging from the bow of the vessel. Though no cannons or gun placements were feasible aboard this early submarine, an early version of a torpedo provided all the artillery she could handle. Though she was never officially commissioned by the Confederate Navy, after she was raised the second time, the Hunley was slotted to carry out a mission.įar from being a simple reconnaissance tool, the Hunley carried a surprising amount of firepower for a ship only 37 feet long, crewed by eight. Not two months later, on October 15, she sank again during a training exercise, killing all eight of the crew as well as Horace Hunley himself, who was aboard to observe testing. On Aughuman error during a training run caused the Hunley to dive while the hatches remained open, killing five crew members within minutes.

#HUNLEY SUBMARINE MODEL SERIES#

The Confederacy’s First Submarine: Seized by the Confederate military upon arrival in Charleston, the Hunley began a series of tests that would see her sink twice before actual service at sea. The simple design also included two small hatches, each measuring only 14” by 15 3/4.” Launched in July of 1863, a demonstration was held prior to the Hunley being shipped to Charleston, South Carolina to begin testing. On either end ballast tanks were added, which could be filled through valves and pumped clean by hand, allowing the Hunley to ascend and descend as it attacked. As a perfect starting point, the steam boiler had the right shape and size to incorporate a crew of eight, with one person to steer while the other seven turned the hand-cranked propeller. Built from a cylindrical iron steam boiler, which was deepened and lengthened, the Hunley was purposely sleek and contemporary in design, utilizing stealth as its greatest weapon. Moving operations to Mobile, Alabama Hunley, James McClintock, and Baxter Watson began developing a more modern submarine. Soon after the sinking of the American Diver, Hunley and his associates began work on what would become his namesake. The next year the American Diver was created, though she too met an early demise and sunk during a harsh February storm. The first model was dubbed Pioneer, built in New Orleans and tested in the Mississippi River in 1862, and though promising, it was scuttled as Union forces advanced on New Orleans. Prior to developing the Hunley two other submarines were constructed and tested. Hunley was launched in July of 1863, meeting its fate not long after. Named for inventor Horace Lawson Hunley, the H.L. Hunley has the dubious distinction of being the first submarine to sink an enemy warship. Though it was not the first American submarine in existence, the legendary H.L. This assembly is usually completed within 3-5 minutes. Hunley nameplate proudly in front of model. Once this is done simply place the model on the solid wood base provided in the packaging. Next, hook brass piece through hole for ammunitions pack and insert bottom of long pole into predrilled holes in front. Then attach the black circular piece into the predrilled holes convieniently located above and below where propeller is positioned. First insert propeller into predrilled hole in back of ship. NOTE: Some basic assembly is required once you remove the model from pacakging. Wooden display base separates from the model.Limited production run only 100 of this CSS Hunley model.Cloth flag included with the CSS Hunley.High quality materials used in construction.Accurate scale Civil War replica of the real CSS Hunley.Handcrafted from from scratch by our master artisans.This museum-quality scale Civil War replica of the famous CSS Hunley celebrate one of the most influential and unique warships in history. Ideal for display upon any shelf, table or desk, fine-craftsmanship and careful detailing combine to produce truly impressive model warships. Ready for Immediate Display - Not a Model Ship kit

Hunley submarine model