Joseph Whitworth

Sir Joseph Whitworth, 1st Baronet (21 December 1803 – 22 January 1887), was a British inventor.

In 1854, Whitworth set about designing a rifle barrel that would improve both the accuracy and range of the weapon. His solution was to manufacture a twisted, hexagonal barrel with a matching hexagonal bullet. The twist in the barrel provided the spin, improving the accuracy, while the hexagonal shape reduced the friction, bettering the range. This first long-range sniper rifle received his name and was known as the Whitworth Rifle.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (mentioned in Database entry only)