BIGGEST AIRSHIP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1707, 23 December 1919, Page 5

BIGGEST AIRSHIP.

BRITISH “R 38” SQLD TO THE UNITED STATES. America will become possessed. In duo time, of the largest airship in the world. At present it is being constructed by Messrs Shorts, of Bedford. She will be known as “R 38,” and will, when completed, bo ono-third as large again os “R 34,” which successfully flew to the United States and back. Hor capacity will bo 2,720,000 cubic feet. , The news' first became public in the House of Commons, when Colonel MooreBrabazon asked the Under-Secretary for the Air Ministry whether he had made any arrangements with the United States. Government for the building of a rigid airship in this country for the United States Navy. General Seely replied as follows: —“Arrangements have been made between. the United States Navy and the Air Ministry by which the airship ‘R 38,’ embodying the newest features in design and construetion, will be completed without delay. The vessel will bo handed over to the United States naval personnel on completion, and will proceed to Am erica with her American crew as soon as the shod to house her is ready. The United, States Navy will take over the vessel at cost price, the Royal Air Force undertaking the training of the American naval personnel free of cost, except pay and rations.” It is estimated that R3B will bo capable of cruising for nearly nine days at an average speed of 45. miles an hour. Her maximum speed will be 70 miles, an hour, and the utmost distance she will be able to travel without replenishing her petrol is 1 placed at 9000 miles. Her length is 695 ft., and her girth £7ft. bin. She will be fitted with! four 350 h.p. Sunbeam “Cosack” engines and 'two 27. h.p. Sunbeam “Maori” engines, which will develop a horse-power of between 1900 and ' 2000. It is estimated that her gross lift will ! be 82 tons, and her “ useful-” lift 50.tons, i “R 38” will bo provided with a large ' navigating car at tno bows, and a gondola for each of the six .engines. It is rtatec fhnf iPft rvnrehaso nrice is half a million.