were carried out, and certain valuable experiments will be
attempted now that peace has arrived.

In spite of the grave misgivings of many critics, the structure
without the keel has proved amply strong, and no mishap attended
this radical departure on the part of the designers.


RIGID AIRSHIP No. 31 CLASS

The airship known as R 81 was a complete deviation from any rigid
airship previously built in this country. In this case the
experiment was tried of constructing it in wood in accordance
with the practice adopted by the Schutte-Lanz Company in Germany.

It must be frankly acknowledged that this experiment resulted in
failure. The ship when completed showed great improvement both in
shape, speed and lifting capacity over any airship commissioned
in this country, and as a whole the workmanship exhibited in her
construction was exquisite. Unfortunately, under the conditions
to which it was subjected, the hull structure did not prove
durable, and to those conditions the failure is attributed.
Under different circumstances it may be hoped that the second
ship, when completed, will prove more fortunate.

In length R 31 was 615 feet, with a diameter of 66 feet, and the
capacity was 1 1/2 million cubic feet.

In shape the hull was similar to the later types of Zeppelin,
having a rounded bow and a long, tapering stern. The longitudinal