AMERICAN AIR FLEET.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17806, 4 July 1923, Page 12

AMERICAN AIR FLEET.

GIANT DIRIGIBLE BUILDING. WASHINGTON, July 17. It is announced by Rear-Admiral 'Moffett, Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, that the great new rigid airship of the United States Na.vy, Z.R.1., which is now almost completed, is to be put into commission on July Ist.' The Navy Department contemplates flights in the airship to the North and South Poles, as well as a tour around the world. The airship, which is almost the length of a battleship and practically shell-proof and explosive-proof, has a carrying capacity for a full crew of 26 officers and men, and sufficient motor spirit to cruise over 5000 miles. On a passenger 'basis, the Z.R.I, can carry 100 people with comfort. There are seven compartments for the crew's quarters. The airship is equipped with six engines, of 350 horse-power each. The Z.R.I, was constructed at Akron ■ (Ohio), and according to Admiral Moffett will be the first- of a fleet of large airships which the United States Government is building. The second, a giant Zeppelin, is nearly completed at FrieclrichsHaven ; Germany. It has to be delivered m the United States, and preparations are now being made for the flight from Berlin to Chicago. A test flight is to be made over the Alps. The United States Ambassador m Berlin, Mr Houghton, hopes to take delivery of the Zenrielin at the end of June. Should this airship reach the United States without mishap, a wealty combination of Spanish and South American fin-anciers will inaugurate a Zeppelin line from Spain to South America by way of the Canary Islands. For some months a Spanish ship has been making a survey between Cadiz and Buenos Aires for the study of air currents, temperatures, and .landing stations.