torpedoboat

A torpedo boat is a relatively small and fast naval vessel, originally designed to attack larger warships with torpedoes. They first appeared in the late 19th century as a development in naval warfare technology. Early torpedo boats were typically steam-powered and armed with one or more torpedo tubes. Their small size and speed made them difficult targets for the larger guns of battleships, allowing them to approach and launch their devastating torpedoes.

The effectiveness of torpedo boats led to the development of counter-measures, such as torpedo nets and the introduction of smaller, faster vessels designed specifically to hunt and destroy them, known as torpedo boat destroyers, which eventually evolved into the modern destroyer. Torpedo boats saw significant use in various conflicts, including the Russo-Japanese War and World War I. Their role evolved over time with advancements in naval technology, with larger vessels gradually taking on torpedo delivery roles. While the classic torpedo boat design is largely obsolete, the principle of using small, fast craft for offensive or defensive roles has continued in different forms throughout naval history.