463 
THE DEVELOPMENT OE ARMOUR 
DUPING THE YEARS 1893-98. 
BY 
CAPTAIN C. ORDE BROWNE, late R.A. 
THE principal changes in the character of the armour plates made 
by most nations during the years 1893-1898 are as follows :—■ 
(1.) The use of plates of medium thickness and also of thin 
armour has been greatly extended, because as quick fire developed, it 
became increasingly important 1 to protect Q.F. pieces, and also because 
the quality of armour has been improved, so that thin plates furnish 
better protection than formerly, and thus give a better return for any 
sacrifice made to provide them. 
(2) . The employment of nickel has become more general; the 
toughness which it imparts has been more fully recognised and the 
difficulties connected with its use have been overcome. Sheffield 
makers now all employ nickel. 
(3) . A system of manufacturing armour combining a hard face 
with extraordinary toughness, devised by Herr Krupp, has been 
purchased by our Sheffield makers and some admirable results have 
been obtained by them with plates made by this process, modified and 
shaped accordingly to the habit and experience of each establishment. 
This toughness has been exhibited where it is especially valuable, 
namely, in thick armour. 
Following the above changes in manufacture, the tests for armour 
supplied to the service have been made more severe especially in this 
country. Thick and thin armour being alike tested on supply. 
Projectiles have been improved and caps for the protection of the 
shops point in penetrating hard faced armour have been tried and 
found effectual in England, Russia and America. Armour piercing 
shells and common shells have been made and tested more than 
formerly. 
To trace the progress in detail. Early in 1893 Harveyed armour 
had finally established its character in British trials on board the 
Nettle, Vickers 6-inch steel Harveyed plate being considered to offer 
the same resistance to a shot striking it at 1,800 f.s. velocity, as a 
Brown compound Tresidder plate opposed to a similar shot striking 
at 1,600 f.s., while a Vickers untreated steel plate was perforated 
comparatively easily. 
1 This will be found more fully discussed under changes in ship structure. 
9 , YOL. XXY. 
Summary 
of progress 
during 
years 1893- 
3898. 
1893 
Harveyed 
armour 
trials. 
