AMERICAN DIRIGIBLES.
USE OP HELIUM GAS. SATISTACTORY TBIAiS. NEW YORK. September 13. What is considered to he the first test on a lnrge scale of helium for dirigibles! was completed to-day with complete sue- i cess, when ZKI, the largcbt American airship, tarried out a 12 hours' trial oruipc. The vessel responded perfectly to all demands, maintaining a speed of 40 knots and taking a height ran«-iD»-from 2000 ft to 15000 ft. The vessel cost 1,500,000 dollars, and I took" nearly two years to build. It was j mn.de by American workmen under the I direction of a (ierman technician. The dimensions of {lie vessel are fi.SOft by 78ft. It has a cruising range of 5000 miles, and is i-ajmble of a speed of 50 knots. Its six engines arc of 300-iip. each. r .An outstanding feature of the test was the proof given of the perfect adaptability of helium for dirigible purposes. The gas is uon-infiammable. and renders the vessel proof against destruction by fh;e. Experts consider that ZRI is ndmirably suited for military purposes and believe that it is the first important step in tlie development of practically a new aerial instrument, contrasting '\IA safety with the ill-fated R3B and Roma" I (A. and H.Z. Cable.) i
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Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 219, 13 September 1923, Page 5
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209AMERICAN DIRIGIBLES. Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 219, 13 September 1923, Page 5
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