An item reported that the US Navy successfully experimented with wireless controlled target ships. The battleship Iowa (1) left under full steam the Panama Canal towards the Pacific Ocean without a crew. The battleship Mississippi fired at her but without success as she was able to avoid any hits. The Iowa was controlled for the wireless station Shawmut on a distance of some kilometres and responded very well to this control. The Algemeen Handelsblad dated 24th reported that the Mississippi attacked twice. In the first run were from a distance of 6 miles 108-5” shells fired resulting in 16 hits and in the second run 16 salvos with 5-14” guns resulting in 4 hits. The shells were loaded with very few explosives to prevent heavy damage. The Iowa was now to be used as target for the destroyers.
Note
1. Laid down at William Cramp&Sons, Philadelphia, USA on 5 August 1893, launched on 28 March 1896, for the last time decommissioned on 31 March 1919 and sunk as gunnery target on 23 March 1923.
