successful flights were carried out by this ship, of which the
most noteworthy was from Cardiff to London.


WILLOWS No. 3

No. 2, having been rebuilt and both enlarged and improved, became
known as No. 3. The capacity of the envelope, which was composed
of rubber and cotton, was increased to 32,000 cubic feet, and
contained two ballonets. The gross lift amounted to about half a
ton. As before, a 30 horse-power J.A.P. engine was installed,
driving the swivelling propellers. These propellers were
two-bladed with a diameter of 61 feet. The maximum speed was
supposed to be 25 miles per hour, but it is questionable if this
was ever attained.

This ship flew from London to Paris, and was the first
British-built airship to fly across the Channel.


WILLOWS No. 4

The fourth ship constructed by this firm was completed in 1912,
and was slightly smaller than the two preceding ships. The
capacity of the envelope in this instance was reduced to 24,000
cubic feet, but was a much better shape, having a diameter of 20
feet, which was gradually tapered towards the stern. A different
material was also used, varnished silk being tried as an
experiment. The envelope was attached to a keel on which was
mounted the engine, a 35 horse-power Anzani, driving two