The Story of the Airship (Non-rigid) / A Study of One of America's Lesser Known Defense Weapons

Contents

Hugh Allen

Dedication v
Foreword vii
I. German Submarines in American Waters 1
A little known story from the first World War.
II. British Airships in the First World War 9
The use of non-rigid airships in Europe in 1914-18—as convoys, and as scouts against mines and U-boats.
III. American Airships in Two Wars 13
Activities in first war, though building of ships, training of men and erecting of bases had to be done after war broke out.
IV. The Beginnings of Flight 21
Difference between airships and airplanes—classes of airships—progress, from Montgolfiers to Santos Dumont to 1914.
V. Effect on Aeronautics of Post-War Reaction 28
Blimps overshadowed by Zeppelins and airplanes—only rigid airships had anything like continuing program, and they because of possible commercial value—effect on public opinion of Lindbergh flight and first arrival of the Graf Zeppelin.
VI. Airship Improvements Between Wars 32
Helium gas—structural changes—development of mooring mast—Navy experiments in picking up water ballast from the ocean.
VII. Adventures of the Goodyear Fleet 45
Reason for starting—adventures—familiarize country with airships—safety record—evolution of masting technique.
VIII. Results of Fleet Operations 61
Weather information—effect on flying and ground handling practice—on ship design—created bases, ships and construction plants which might prove useful in emergency.
IX. Vulnerability of Airships 67
References 72
Index 73

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