EIGHTY MILES AN HOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 287, 3 December 1929, Page 7

EIGHTY MILES AN HOUR

AIRSHIP RICO’S SPEED THE NEW BRITISH DESIGN [ British Official Wireless ] RUGBY, Nov. 29. RlOO, the second of the two new British airships, which was constructed by the Airship Guarantee Company, has just been handed over to the Air Ministry for flying trials. It is claimed that she will have better performances than RlOl in that she will travel faster and carry a more useful load. This is partly attributable to the use of petrol as fuel instead of heavy oil. The use of petrol enables lightweight aero engines to be used, and she has a power equipment of six Rolls Royce Condor engines of 660 to 700 h.p., giving a total horse-power of 4200 as against 2340 horse-power for forward progress in RlOl.

The designers claim that RlOO will have a top speed of 80 miles an hour and a range of 3000 miles at a cruising speed of 70 miles an hour. Decreasing the speed to 50 miles an hour would increase the maximum range in still air to 5000 miles. Provision has been made for the installation of extra tanks, bringing the fuel weight airborne up to 51 tons. RlOO should then at her most favourable cruising speed, but with only an operating crew, have a range of 10.000 miles, or sufficient to reach Australia from England without re-fuelling. Tn RlOO passengers and crew, numbering 150, are accommodated in three decks situated just forward of amidships. Living and sleeping space for 100 passengers is carried on the two apper decks, the lower of which has a verandah and a dining room to seat >0 at one time. ALTERATIONS TO RlOl. LONDON, Dec. 1. RlOl was moved from the mooring mast and housed in the hangar without incident after three-quarters of an hour’s work. It is understood that the airship will be deflated, overhauled and examined with the view to modifications increasing the lifting capacity.