R101

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1930, Page 3

RlOl

NEW ENGINE STARTERS

NOW THE LARGEST AIRSHIP

IN THE WORLD,

.(Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, Sept. 18

Before very long the British airship RICH, will be able to sail the skies without taking any petrol with her Hitherto she lias had to carry a certain amount of motor spirit for starting her heavy oil engines, but a new starting system has been perfected which will replace the petrol mechanism. Recently, such satisfactory tests were made with compression ignicion for starting one of the engines with which she has been equipped that similar models will eventually be -fitted to ail live of her engines. This development is of obvious importance in removing. the danger ol fire, especially during flights in .hot climates. By a further adaptation the airship has just'been fitted with two new engines in which the reversing problem has been surmounted. Hitherto one engine-had to be reserved for taking the ship astern and consequnetlv 60., horse-power of . forward drive was lost. This is no longer the,-case, and while in the future -the vessel will lie able to reverse'.if inquired, all her engines will be at' other limes available and her speed will thereby be improved. RlOl’s length has been increased by fifty feet. A new envelope has been fitted and a new .bay installed increasing, her lilt- to 166 tons. She is now the world’s biggest airship. She is expected to undergo further trials next week prior to her departure for India in i} month.