CRUISER OF THE SKIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22084, 14 October 1933, Page 21

CRUISER OF THE SKIES

GERMANY’S NEW GIANT COMPLETION NEXT YEAR. Differing little in shape and dimensions from the United States dirigible Macon, Germany's monster passenger air cruiser, LZI29, is nearing completion at the birthplace of the late Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin’s “lighter-than-air ” idea (says the San Francisco Chronicle). Under the supervision of the chief constructor, Dr Ludwig Duerr, almost threequarters of the duralumin frame of the new air giant has been completed. Dr Duerr believes the ship will be ready for the first trial flights in early autumn, 1931 . Although the LZI29 will measure 812 feet in length, as compared with 785 feet of the Macon, her height over all will bo only 135 feet, ns against the 146.5 feet of the American ship. Her 16 gas compartments will have a capacity of 6,600,000 cubic feet, or 100,000 cubic feet more than the Macon. Helium will be used as lifting gas for the first time for a German dirigible. Negotiations with American authorities assured the delivery of the large quantities of helium required. The new ship will have a gross lift of 210 tons. A novelty in German airship building is the accommodation of passengers inside the frame. Two spacious decks have been installed, each containing cabins for 50 passengers. The principal feature will be the smok-ing-room, which will be installed on the upper deck. A 1300-foot promenade with large windows permitting glimpses of the scenery below and several bathrooms with running cold apd warm water will add to the convenience of passengers. Professor Brener, of Dusseldorf, the designer of the inferior of the liners Bremen and Europa, has agreed to decorate the interior of the LZI29.

The ship’s outer appearance will differ from the Macon only in the respect that four protruding tiny gondolas—two on either side—will carry the four crudeoil motors. It is estimated that the 4000 horse-power will give the LZI29 a maximum cruising speed of between 84 and 89 miles and a cruising range of about 8100 miles.

Nothing has been revealed yet as to what plans Dr Hugo Eckener baa for the new dirigible.