NAVIGATING THE AIR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1618, 25 July 1887, Page 3

NAVIGATING THE AIR.

.According to papers received ky the last mail, it wonld appear that Americans have solved the problem of navigating the air by steamships, and are about to practically test the matter. The length of the vessels J» to be 180 ft, breadth over all 48ft, depth of car 12ft, capacity of balloon (hydrogen) 182,000 cubic feet, | engines (12-borse power) 3, lifting capacity 16,0001 b, total weight 5 tons. The air-ship is to be cigar-shaped ; the upper poztlon being the balloon proper, and the lower half the deck, upon whioh freight and passengers are to be, carried . Her machinery will consist of three 12---hone power eogines, ins to each propeller. Two. of the latter will be m the bottom, and the third at the stern, where it will also act as a rudder, The two propellers m th* bottom are for railing and lowering the vessel. The boiler, whioh has been contracted for, U to bo 40 horse power; the fuel will be coal oil and steam spray. Tha speed is expected to be one mile per minute. The balloon will be divided into three compartments ; but should the whole collapse tbire wltt be no danger, as the ship will be gently lowered by a a parachute. Mr William Patterson, who has Id hand the work oi constructing the novel steamibip, eaya that she will he ready for her maiden aerial trip on August 1.