The cylindrical envelope with ogive-tapered ends was fairly typical, similar to early-generation designs familiar to the otherworldly visitors from vintage photographs. The narrow enclosed gondola running like a keel along most of the envelope, by contrast, was a radical departure—well ahead of the more usual boat-hulls dangling on struts or cables. The long slim barrels of quick-firing breechloaders on swivel mounts, unlocked from their stowed positions, jutted menacingly from two large openings amidship, port and starboard, and one around the stern. A row of odd round brackets mounted under the cockpit, currently empty, stood ready to accept pre-loaded rocket tubes; a stack of empty replacement tubes sat by the shed's side wall.