This was a large ship of 350,000
cubic feet capacity and was of semi-rigid design, a long
framework being suspended from the envelope which supported the
weight of the car. It had two engines of 150 horse-power which
developed a speed of about 32 miles per hour. The War Office
built a shed at Farnborough to house it, and in accordance with
dimensions given by the firm a clearance of 10 feet was allowed
between the top of the ship and the roof of the shed.
Inconceivable as it may sound, the overall height of the ship
was increased by practically 10 feet without the War Office
being informed. The ship flew over and was landed safely, but on
being taken into the shed the envelope caught on the roof
girders, owing to lack of headroom, and was ripped from end to
end. The Government agreed to increase the height of the shed
and the firm to rebuild the ship. This was completed in March,
1911, and the ship was inflated again. On carrying out a trial
flight, having made several circuits at 600 feet, she attempted
to land, but collided with a house and was completely wrecked.
This was the end of a most unfortunate ship, and her loss was not
regretted.
DELTA
Towards the end Of 1910 the design was commenced of the ship to
be known as the Delta, and in 1911 the work was put in hand.
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