In rigid airships ballonets are not provided for the gasbags, and
as a consequence a long flight results in a considerable
expenditure of gas. If great heights are required to be reached,
it is obvious that the wastage of gas would be enormous, and it
is understood that the Germans on starting for a raid on England,
where the highest altitudes were necessary, commenced the flight
with the gasbags only about 60 per cent full.
To stabilize the ship in flight, fins or planes are fitted to the
after end of the envelope or hull. Without the horizontal planes
the ship will continually pitch up and down, and without the
vertical planes it will be found impossible to keep the ship on a
straight course. The planes are composed of a framework covered
with fabric and are attached to the envelope by means of stay
wires fixed to suitable points, in the case of non-rigid ships
skids being employed to prevent the edge of the plane forcing its
way through the surface of the fabric. The rudder and elevator
flaps in modern practice are hinged to the after edges of the
planes.
The airship car contains all instruments and controls required
for navigating the ship and also provides a housing for the
engines. In the early days swivelling propellers were considered
a great adjunct, as with their upward and downward thrust they
proved of great value in landing.
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