OVER ST. PAUL'S.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 244, 15 October 1929, Page 7

OVER ST. PAUL'S.

LONDONERS SPELLBOUND. ... V .. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Eeceived 11 a.m.) LONDON, October 14. Escorted by three aeroplanes, the progress of the RlOl was watched by many thousands on its first flight from Cardington. Especially was this so in London, where city workers etopped the traffic, gazing up at the giant airship flying low and rapidly. Major Scott, who commanded the British airship R33, which crossed the Atlantic, also commanded the RlOl. The great dirigible left her mooring tower easily and manoeuvred for half an hour, swinging into the wind, and rising and falling slowly. It flew over the West End, Westminster, down the Thames to the city, turned above • St. Paul's and departed northwards. Cheers greeted the airship's return over the mooring tower. . The RlOl began a slow descent from a height of three-quarters of a mile. The mooring was completed, the gangway lowerrd and the passengers landed, amid cries of "Well done." Major Scott explained that the ease in handling the airship during the entire trip exceeded his expectations. The passenger on the TtlOl will travel in luxury in the largest airship ever built in Britain. This huge wonder has been described as a modern flying hotel. Five engines are used to propel the ship at a normal cruising speed of over 60 miles an hour. The upper deck has an area of 5550 square feet, which is exclusive of the promenade, and the lower one 1730 square feet. It is possible to increase, ,if necessary, the area of the lowwer deck to 4000 square feet by ; means of side.wing decks. On the upper dick is a large lounge which is lux : uriously furnished. On either side of this are promenades, lighted by windows in the outer cover. From these the traveller will be able to obtain a magnificent view. This deck has also a separate dining room for 50 persons, and a number of sleeping, cabins. The lower passenger deck -carries a kitchen with electrically fitted equipment. Food will be conveyed to the dining room above by means of a lift. There is also a comfortable smoking room, which is fitted with an aluminium floor to obviate | any danger from fire caused by carelessly-1 thrown-down cigarettes and lighted matches. The total length of the airship is 724 ft 3in, and its diameter is 131 ft Bin. The speed can be kept in excess of 70 miles an hour, and the craft can travel without refuelling for 4000 miles. The airship is beautifully streamlined, and extensive tests have been made to reduce head-resistance to the minimum. Supporting her are two huge goldbeater skin gas bags, which contain the hydrogen. A new system of gas valves has been adopted, and placed about the ship are numerous water ballast tanks, all controlled from the control cabin. Another special feature of the hull is found in the reefing booms, which can be moved at will to keep the outer fabric taut.' The huge steering and elevating planes, right aft, are so large that servo-motive power is provided to assist in operating them.