AIR MONARCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 200, 24 August 1928, Page 7

AIR MONARCH.

GREAT BRITISH SHIP.

Revolutionary Designs In New

RlOl.

EMPIRE CRUISE IN TRIALS

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) i Eeceivpd 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 23. Early next year Britain's gigantic airships, the RlOl and RIOO, embodyin? revolutionary designs not previously attempted, will be ready for trials. These will occupy from three to six months, the range of wh;eh will be gradually extended until an Empire demonstration flight is undertaken.

This is most likely to embrace Egypt, India and Canada because a mooring mast is rapidly being completed ii; pach, while Australia is not yet ready tor a visit.

An inspection of the RlOl to-day revealed a great steel-girdered and duralumin framework housed in a shed higher than Nelson's column, where 601) men were piecing together, like a colossal Meccano, one of the sixteen great gas-bags in position.

Preparation of the envelope is proceeding rapidly. One gondola has already been fixed and the engines have been delivered. The RlOl gas capacity is 5,000,000 cubic feet with a lifting capacity of 150 tons. The maximum diameter is 132 feet, the length 730 feet, and the height 140 feet.

The framework amidships, where the saloons, lounges, dining rooms and cabins are, has ben completed. This is at present overlaid in three-ply which will be used as a flooring to carry the 100 passengers and 50 of a crew, who will be accommodated. The general colour schema is white and gold with panelled walls and artistic lighting.

One of the most revolutionary departures is the substitution of oil for petrol, eliminating entirely the risk of fire. Five 650 horse-power Diesel engines will supply motive power, while the fuel is scientifically placed throughout the length in 47 tanks providing mora than 9000 gallons.

The cruising speed is 63 miles an hour with a 4000-mile radius in calm weather without refuelling.