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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0459.PDF
MAY 27, 1911. [/OGHT] THE NAVAL AIRSHIP. THE NAVY AIRSHIP NO. 1.—The " Mayfly," built by Messrs. Vickers, Ltd., which was successfully launched at Barrow on Monday last. The rudder and elevating planes are clearly seen in this view. Note, the launch in the centre is merely assisting in guiding the airship. AT last our leviathan of the air has emerged from the interior of its hiding place into the full light of day. With the issues of Monday's evening papers the launch was announced, and with the Tuesday morning papers the British public realised all in a moment its full possession of the object of its desires—an immense dirigible. And it is an immense dirigible, too, indeed the largest in existence. Over 170 yards long, no less than 16 yards in diameter. Think of it! It would almost exactly fill the whole of St. Martin's Lane from side to side and from end to end. It has a gas capacity of 700,000 cubic feet, a lift of 21 tons, its engine power is no less than 400-h.p. in two equal units formed by Wolseley engines. It can carry twenty-two persons and has cost up to date the sum of ,£41,000. More than an acre and a half of Continental fabric was employed in the construction of the envelope, and the hydrogen, compressed in cylinders, was brought over from the Knowles Oxygen Co.'s works at Wolverhampton by the train load at a time. During two years this airship has been in the course of design and construction, and the lines on which it is built are broadly similar to those of the famous /.eppelin airships that have created so many sensations in Germany. We will at least hope that the English vessel will be more fortunate. Its constructors are the great firm of Vickers, Ltd., and the site of the operations, as all the world knows, has been Barrow-in-Furness. The outer cover and the gas ballonets were made by Messrs. Short Bros., and the airship is fitted with their patent valves and rudders. The characteristic feature of the type to which it belongs is the THE NAVY AIRSHIP, THE " MAYFLY."—View of the rear end of the great airship, showing moje clearly the elevating planes, stabilising fins, propellers, &c 461
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