BRITAIN'S AIRSHIPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 13

BRITAIN'S AIRSHIPS.

RlOl IN THE WIND. RESISTANCE TO PRESSURE. British Wireless. RUGBY, Nov. 21. The Secretary of Stale for Air, Lord Thomson, pave some interesting particulars about the airship RlOl in tho House of Lords yesterday. Ho said she had been out of her shed for tho last 19 days. Moored afc (he mast she was exposed to far greater strains than when sho was loose in the air. < At. the mast the whole of the strain, duo to wind pressure, was at the nose of the airship. The wind rose to gusts with a velocity of 83 miles an hour while she was moored, and tho pressure at, her nose was recorded at 15 18 tons. However, her strength was calculated to meet a pressure of 30 tons at. tho nose. If that pressure were ever reached, which was not likely, an order would bo given to "slip the ship" because of her better capability of resisting tho wind pressuro loose than tied. Tho designer was extremely gratified with the airship's behaviour, said tho Minister. Tho postponed flight of members of Parliament would take place on Saturday if the weather were clear enough to make it enjoyable. Ho hoped for a wind of 45 miles an hour and bright sunshine. Lord Thomson said tho second airship, HIOO, would probably bo ready next week and would replace KlOl at tho Cardinglon mooring mast.