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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0664.PDF
JUNE 24, 1920 MODERN ITALIAN AIRSHIPS : An improved " M." type in flight with the exception of the top stabilising fin, which is dis-pensed with. The envelope in this case is composed of three-ply fabric,and is divided into compartments, giving a total capacity of 92,000 cubic feet. The gas consumption of these ships isexceedingly low, an average number of two tubes per day being all that is required under ordinary conSitions. A 100 h.p. six-cylindered vertical Fiat engine supplies themotive power driving a two-bladed pusher propeller. The climbing capacity of these ships is very remarkable,and they are exceedingly easy to handle. They were employed on coast patrol work during the War. UsuelliThis ship was designed by a private firm, unlike the two previously described, which were a production of the officialheadquarters, and on the whole is not regarded as a success. The envelope is of single-ply fabric, and proofed with apatent form of dope. Its capacity is 141,000 cubic feet, with two internal ballonets fitted, which are said' to causethe ship to surge rather badly. The rigid type of keel has been adopted in this case, whichis entirely external to the envelope, and is triangular in cross sections. It is laced to two eyeletted bands which arestuck and sewn on to the envelope. The car, which is suspended from the keel, is rather morecomfortable than in most Italian ships, and is fitted with W.T. and the usual instruments. An interesting feature is the employment of lifting planessituated amidships to increase the dynamic lift. The engines installed are two Fiat Colombos of 100 h.p.each. P. Type The P. ships are another product of the official headquarters,and possess an envelope with the internal hinged keel on similar lines to that of the M. type, but naturally on a smallerscale, as the capacity is only 176,500 cubic feet. The car, however, is quite different, being boat-shaped,with the engines mounted on gantries on the port and starboard sides. The ship is fitted with dual control. Petrolis carried in a tank in the car, while the water ballast is placed beneath the flooring, and sand ballast is also takenup in bags. The engines employed are two 75 h.p. Fiats drivingpropellers with reversible blades. The P. ship is now out of date, and is used only for theinstruction of pilots. A later type is now in commission known as the P. Veloce.This ship is of the same dimensions and capacity, but more powerful machinery has been installed, which has augmentedgreatly the speed. Two S.P.A. engines of 225 h.p. each have replaced the 75 h.p. Fiats. The change has, naturally,increased the weight enormously, and the endurance has decreased as a consequence in comparison with the earlierships of the type. Forlanini The airships manufactured by the Forlanini Co. areprobably the best known to people outside Italy, as various references have been made to them in the'^Press from timeto time. It is interesting to recall that when the airship section of the Royal Naval Air Service was re-constituted inthe Autumn of 1912, an order was placed for three ships of this design to be built. At the outbreak of War the •m MODERN ITALIAN AIRSHIPS: The " M .51," fitted with three S.P.A. engines 664
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