It thus appears that for such journeys as crossing the
Atlantic, or crossing the Pacific from the west coast of America
to Australia or Japan, the airship will be peculiarly suitable."
He also remarked that, "it having been conceded that the scope of
the airship is long-distance travel, the only type which need be
considered for this purpose is the rigid. The rigid airship is
still in an embryonic state, but sufficient has already been
accomplished in this country, and more particularly in Germany,
to show that with increased capacity there is no reason why,
within a few years' time, airships should not be built capable of
completing the circuit of the globe and of conveying sufficient
passengers and merchandise to render such an undertaking a paying
proposition."
The report of the Civil Aerial Transport Committee also states
that, "airships are the most suitable aircraft for the carrying
of passengers where safety, comfort and reliability are
essential."
When we consider the rapid development of the rigid airship since
1914, it should not be insuperable to construct an airship with
the capabilities suggested by General Sykes. In 1914, the
average endurance of the Zeppelin at cruising speed was under one
day and the maximum full speed about 50 miles per hour.
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