BIGGEST AIRSHIP
BRITISH "R SOLD TO THE UNITED STATES America will become possessed,-in 'duo time, of the largest airship in the world. At present it is being constructed by Messrs. Shorts, of Bedford. Slio will bo known as ".It ;I8," and will, when completed, by one-third as large again sis "R ill," which successfully Hew to tho United Stales ami back. ' Her capacity ivill bo 2,720,000 cubic feet.
Tho news first became public in the House of Commons, when Colonel MooreBrabazon asked the Under-Secretary for tho Air Ministry whether ho had made any arrangement? with the United States Government for the building of si rigid airship in this country for flio United States Navy,
Gnneral Sccly. replied as follows:—"Arrangemenls have been made between the United States Navv and the Air Ministry by which iho airship 'R 3S,' embodying - the newest features in design and construction, will be completed without delay. Tho vessel will be handed ever to tho United States naval personnel on completion, and will proceed to America with her American crew as soon as Iho shed to houso her is ready. The United States Navy will take over the vessel at cost price, the Royal Air Force undertaking the training of the American naval personnel froo of cost, except pay and rations."
It is estimated that "B .18" will be capable of cruising for nearly nine days at an average siwed of 45 miles an hour. Her maximum speed will bo 70 miles an hour, and tho utmost distanco she will be able to travel without replenishing her petrol is placed at 0000 miles. Iler length is 695 ft., and her'girth 87ft Gin. She will bo fitted with four 350 li.p. Sunbeam "Cossack" engines and two 275 li.p. Sunbeam "Maori" engines, which will develop a horse-power of between 1900 and 20(10. It is estimated that her gross lift will bo S2 tons, and her "useful" lift sft tons. "R< 33" will bo provided with a larg-e navigating car at the bows, and a. gondola for each of the six engines. It is staled that tho purchase price is half a million.
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Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 75, 22 December 1919, Page 7
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353BIGGEST AIRSHIP Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 75, 22 December 1919, Page 7
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