GIGANTIC AIRSHIPS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10922, 24 August 1928, Page 6

GIGANTIC AIRSHIPS

BEING BUILT IN BRITAIN CARRY HUNDRED PASSENGERS. (Received 11.20 a.m.) United Press Assn—By Electric Telegraph-—Copyright. LONDON, August 23. Early next year Britain’s gigantic airships R 101 and R 100, embodying revolutionary designs not previously attempted, will be ready for 'trials. These will occupy three to six months’ range, thereof gradually extending until an Empire demonstration flight , will he undertaken. This will most likely be to Egypt, India, and Canada because mooring masts are rapidly being completed there, while that in Australia will not be ready. A visit of inspection to the RlOl to-day revealed a great ste6l-girder-ed and duralumin frame-work housed in a shed higher than Nelson’s column. Six hundred men were placing it together like a colossal mecliano. One of the sixteen great gasbags is in position while preparation of the envelope is proceeding rapidly. One gondola has already been fitted and the engines delivered. The RlOl lias a gas capacity of five million cubic feet, a lifting capacity of 150 tons, maximum diameter 132 feet, length 730 feet, height 140 feet. The framework amidship, where the saloons, lounges, dining-rooms, and cabins are situated, is completed This will presently be overlaid by three-ply, which will be used as tile flooring. The airship will carry a hundred passengers and fifty of a crew. Tile general colour scheme will be white and gold with panelled walls and artistic lighting. One of the most revolutionary departures ie the substitution of oil for petrol eliminating entirely the risk of fire. There are five 650 horse-power Diesel engines. The fuel tanks have been scientifically placed throughout the length, forty-seven tanks providing more than 9,000 gallons. The cruising speed will ha 63 miles per hour. It will fly four thousand miles in calm weather without re-fuelilug.