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Airships had their heyday in the beginning of the aeronautical age, as they alone had the range and endurance to undertake worthwhile tasks, but it wasn't long before capable aircraft came on the scene. Airships then found favour in Germany as civilian transports. Other countries used them for exploration purposes, but the US Navy was the major operator and they enjoyed a long and productive service right into the jet age. There was only one lost to enemy action, K-74 in July 1943 which lost out to a machine gun duel with the German submarine U-134. The blimp fell gently into the sea and all but one of its crew were rescued. Progress was made in design and construction and the final models were airborne radar stations. Generally it can be said that the crafts endurance and ability to remain motionless were its strengths, but it suffered major disadvantages. Attack from enemy aircraft was never a problem, but their altitude range was limited, and they were forced to spend most of their time over the open sea where temperature vagaries were less than overland. Their lift was affected by temperature variations, and loss of gas through leakage or altitude changes. It was also necessary to valve off gas as the fuel was used. Having to carry disposable ballast to maintain the lift to weight ratio throughout the flight meant a reduced military load. The next problem was was getting the giant craft back to earth, as it could be a tricky task, and enormous manpower was required. These disadvantages mean that the military airship, whether blimp or rigid, is most unlikely to see further employment.
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Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.
Last edited by glyn : 04-08-2007 at 13:51 PM.
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