SYDNEY’S FIRST DIRIGIBLE.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 1 July 1914, Page 3

SYDNEY’S FIRST DIRIGIBLE.

Ex-Patea Resident's Achievement. i " A recent issue of the Sydney “ Sun ” contains an excellent illustras

tion of Sydney’s first dirigible balloon, which has been constructed by Mr A. J. .Roberts, who was formerly in charge of the municipal electric light* ing works at Fatea. The balloon which is complete and ready for flight, is similar to the mpdel exhibited by Mr Roberta in the Town Hall some months ago, and is constructed as far as possible of Australian material and by Australian hands. The only part which was imported was the balloon Baction, which it was found could not be made in Australasia. The now airship which is the invention as well as the work of Mr Roberts is 80ft

by 18ft over the gas bag section which represent the sails of the ship. The *• Nacelle " or framework which carries the engines and propeller is 48ft by 2ft Bins. The airship as those who saw the recent model in

the Town Hall will know, is a lighter than air machine as opposed to the aeroplane which is only sustained aloft by the driving force of the pro. pellor. The airship floats in the air as a steamer floats the sea and is " navigated ” in the same way. “ The airship ” said Mr Roberta in the course of an interyiew with a

reporter, “ cannot of course attain the speed of the aeroplane but on the other band it can remain aloft for 48 hours, a time beyond place limits. For bomb dropping purposes conditions of greater accuracy can be obtained. In a dirigible you can stop your engines and drift over a camp or city. There is this abont an airship too, if the wind is high yon

can shut off your • engines and the ship becomes a balloon. It drifts with the wind, and as far as the passenger’s sensations are concerned he is in. a dead calm. Yo cannot be blown (o pieces in an airship. If the wind is too high altogether, you

simply descend and if necessary use the “ ripper ” and let the gas escape. Another advantage of the airship—and this has relation to military scouting purposes—is that it can bo fitted with wireless apparatus. The aeroplane, at any rate in its present stage of development, cannot be so fitted.’’

Mr Roberts does not regard his vessel as much more than a model. Its engine is 15 hp. and its speed in calm iveatber is 16 miles an hour. Comparing it with the great Zeppelins is like comparing a pleasure yacht with an ocean liner: The big airships of Europe get their speed by enormous engine power which is necessary to overcome the air resistance; “ I would have to treble my engine power,*’ said Mr Roberts, “ to get another five miles an hour out of my little ship.” As soon as the weather permi's Mr Roberts is to make a trial flight. Later the airship will take up its occupation as a pleasure craft. Passengers will then be able to sail gently over Sydney and about the harbour. The ship may also be used at night as an advertising hoarding. Mr Roberts is to leave for London shortly but before doing so he will give public demonstrations of his ship’s capabilities and also of bis remarkable “ wireless ” inventions which be demonstrated in Patea by means of the model airship a few months ago. 11 The airship has the pall as a spectacle,” said Mr Roberts, “ but the wireless is the big thing.” Mr Roberts* many friends in this district will wish him every success in bis enterprise;