BIGGEST AIRSHIP.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3370, 24 December 1919, Page 7

BIGGEST AIRSHIP.

BRITISH “R 38" SOLD TO THE . UNITED STATES.

'Amorica will Ibecome possessed, in due time, of the largest airship in the world. At present it is‘ being constructed by Messrs Shorts, of Bedford. She will be known as “R38,”.‘ and will, when.»completed.'~be one-third as large again as “R 34,” which sucessfully flew to the United States and back. Her capacity will be 2,720,0000 cubic feet. . V

Thenews first. became public in the House of Commons, when Colonel Moore—Bi-abazon asked the Under» Secretary for the Air Ministry wheii.']lCl' he -had made any arrangements for the building of a rigid airship in this country for the United States Navy. General Seely replied as fo1lows:—“Arrangements have been made be--‘tween the United States Navy and the Air lvlinistry by which the airship "R 38,”’ embodying the newest features in design and construction, will be liancl--'ed over to the United States naval personnel on completion, and will proceed to America With her American crew as soon as the shed to house her is ready. The United States Navy w:'l1 take over the vessel at cost price, the Royal Air Force undertaking the training of the American naval personnel free of cost, except pay and rations.” It is estimated that “R 38”’ ‘will be capable of cruising for nearly nine days at an average speed of 45 miles an hour. Her zmaximum speed will be 70 miles an hour’, and the utmost distance she will be able to travel without replenishing her petrol is placeél at 9000 miles. Her length is 695 ft., and her girth 87ft 6in_ She will be fitted with four 350 h.p. Sunbeam “Cossack” eiigiues and two 275 11.1). Sunbeam “Maori"’ engines, which ivin develop :1. horsepower of between 1900 and 2000. It is estimated tha.t.her_. gross lift will ‘be 82'ton»s, and her “useful” lift 50 tons.‘ “R 38”’ will beprovided with ;i iarge navigating car at ‘the bows, and a gondola for each of the six engines. It is stated that the purchase price is half a. million.