Old Torpedo–Launching Ramp

About

The launching ramp from 1930s is an item belonging to the closed torpedo production factory. It is proof of the technical inventive of Rijeka during this period and at the same time is an important world landmark of industrial heritage. The torpedo factory was founded on the outline of ideas by Rijeka inhabitant, Giovanni Luppis with regard to a defence weapon known as the “saviour of the shore”. Luppis was engaged with his idea at the beginning of 1860s, without success. Fortunately, the idea interested Robert Whitehead, the director of the Rijeka Technical Institute. Based on Luppis’ idea, Whitehead developed a solution that resembled a metal fish and called it torpedo. The prototype was tested in 1866 and in 1875 the Institute became the R. Whitehead & Co. Torpedo Factory. It was the first torpedo factory in the world. The ramp, which dates back to 1930, simulated the launching of projectiles from ships and planes.