It was intended originally that these ships should be an exact
facsimile of L 33; but owing to the length of time occupied in
construction later information was obtained before they were
completed, both from ships of a more modern design, which were
subsequently brought down, and also from other sources. Acting
on this information, various improvements were embodied in R 33
and R 34, which were in a more advanced state; but in the case of
the three other ships the size was increased, and the ships, when
completed, will bear resemblance to a later type altogether.
As a comment on the slowness of construction before mentioned,
the fact that while we in this country were building two ships on
two slips, Germany had constructed no fewer than thirty on four
slips, certainly affords considerable food for reflection.
The two airships of this class having only just reached a state
of completion, a detailed description cannot be given without
making public much information which must necessarily remain
secret for the present. Various descriptions have, however, been
given in the daily and weekly Press, but it is not intended in
the present edition of this book to attempt to elaborate on
anything which has not been already revealed through these
channels.
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