METAL COVERED AIRSHIPS.
CARRIERS OF THE FUTURE. Great ships of the air, covered with shiny durable motal, instead of fragile fabric, were pictured to the Society of Automotive Engineers meeting at Detroit on January 23, when Ralph 11. Upson, of the Aircraft Development Corporation, explained the possibilities of all-metallic airships. ‘•The solution of commercial airship design to-day lies in a iundamental change in tlie materials ol construction,” he said in urging that present type of metal-framed airship be- modernised into a craft that, through use of tin metal gas bags, will be low in upkeep and first cost. In contrast to oil-hand opinions,
calculations show that there will ho an actual saving in weight of the airship if the fabric hull is replaced by one made of duralumin, and aluminium alloy now used in the framework ol dirigibles.
Mr Upson announced that the construction of a small experimental metal-clad airship is planned, and that a method of air-tight riveting of the hull bus been perfected. The all-metal airship, Mr Upson said, will be durable, and able to stand all sorts of weather. It will he independent of hangars, except for “dry-duck” purposes, just as an ocean ship houses itself except when laid up for repairs. Both hydrogen and helium can he used as the buoyant gas in the new type airship, for the metal hull will he a- fireproof structure and as sale as a gasoline tank against static and fire. The metal airship is destined. Mr Upson believes, to become the'commercial carrier of t-lie tuture. that will carry substantially all first-class pnssensengers, all mail, all express on the longer routes over land and seas. The lighter-than-air airship,, will he tlic long-distance air vessel of the future, while the heavier-tlmn-air aeroplan will operate most economically on Hie. short routes. Humphrey F. Barker told the engineers. Vet in many cases the swifter and more expensive airplane will he used in preference to the airship for the same reason that in land transportation railroads arc often used in prcleionce to water transport. ,
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Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1926, Page 4
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340METAL COVERED AIRSHIPS. Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1926, Page 4
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