John Ericsson

John Ericsson (July 31, 1803 – March 8, 1889) was a Swedish inventor and mechanical engineer, as was his brother, Nils Ericson. He was born at Långbanshyttan in Wermelandia, Sweden, but did primarily come to be active in the United States.

The Propeller

He then improved the ship design with two screw-propellers moving in different directions (as opposed to earlier tests with this technology, which used a single screw). However, the Admiralty disapproved of the invention, which led to the fortunate contact with the encouraging American captain Robert Stockton who had Ericsson design a propeller steamer for him and told him to bring his invention to the United States of America instead, as it would supposedly be more welcomed in that milieu. As a result, Ericsson moved to New York in 1839. Stockton's plan was for Ericsson to oversee the development of a new class of frigate with Stockton using his considerable political connections to grease the wheels. After President Tyler was elected this finally happened and funds were allocated for a new design. Unfortunately they only received funding for a 700-ton sloop instead of a frigate. The sloop eventually became the USS Princeton, named after Stockton's hometown.

Related Topics:
Propeller - Admiralty - Robert Stockton - New York - 1839 - President Tyler - USS Princeton

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The ship took about 3 years to complete and was the most advanced warship of its time. In addition to twin screw propellers, it was originally designed to mount a 12-inch ML gun on a revolving pedestal. The gun had also been designed by Ericsson and was the first gun to use the hoop construction method that pre-tensioned the breech adding to its strength and safely allowing the use of a much larger charge. Other innovations on the ship design included a collapsible funnel and improved recoil systems for the guns.

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Unfortunately, the ego clash between Ericsson and Stockton grew worse over time and nearing the completion of the ship Stockton began working to force Ericsson out of the project. Stockton carefully avoided letting outsiders know that Ericsson was the true brains behind the design and Stockton claimed as much credit for himself as possible. Stockton even designed a second 12-inch gun to be mounted on the Princeton. Unfortunately, not understanding the design of the 1st gun (originally name "The Orator", then renamed by Stockton to the "Oregon"), the 2nd gun was fatally flawed.

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When the ship was initially launched it was a tremendous success. On October 20 1843 USS Princeton won a speed competition against the steamer SS Great Western, which had until then been regarded the fastest steamer. Unfortunately, during a demonstration firing of Stockton's gun the breech broke, killing eight people. Stockton attempted to deflect blame onto Ericsson with moderate success despite the fact that Ericsson's gun was sound and it was Stockton's gun that had failed. Stockton also refused to pay Ericsson and using his political connections Stockton managed to block the Navy from paying him. These actions led to Ericsson's deep hatred of the US Navy.

Related Topics:
October 20 - 1843 - USS Princeton - SS Great Western

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Stockton then proceeded to invent the "hot air engine" in 1852 which used hot air instead of steam as a propellant, probably inspired by his earlier attempts of fume heat engines in Sweden. This engine was no success. However, Ericsson was awarded the Rumford Prize in 1862 for this achievement. Already on September 26 1854 Ericsson presented Napoleon III of France with drawings of iron-clad armored battle ships with a dome-shaped gun tower, and even though the French king praised this invention, he did nothing to bring it to practical application.

Related Topics:
1852 - Rumford Prize - 1862 - September 26 - 1854 - Napoleon III of France - Battle ship - Dome

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