object of this is to distribute the load fore and aft over the
envelope. These bands, particularly at the after end of the
ship, follow a curved path, so that they become more nearly
vertical as they approach the upper surface of the envelope.
This has the effect of bringing the vertical load on the top of
the envelope; but a greater portion of the compressive force
comes on the lower half, where it helps to resist the bending
moment due to the unusually short suspensions. A single rudder
plane and the ordinary elevator planes were fitted to the
envelope. A roomy open car was provided for this ship, composed
of a duralumin framework and covered with duralumin sheeting.
Two 170 horse-power Maybach engines were mounted at the after end
of the car, which drove two metal-bladed reversible propellers.
These propellers were later replaced by standard four-bladed
wooden ones and a notable increase of speed was obtained.

Two officers and a crew of seven men were carried, together with
a wireless installation and armament.

This airship, together with No. 3, took part in the great naval
review at Spithead, shortly before the commencement of the war,
and in addition to the duties performed by her in the autumn of
1914, which are mentioned later, carried out long hours of patrol
duty from an east coast station in the summer of 1917. In all
respects she must be accounted a most valuable purchase.


PARSEVAL AIRSHIPS 5, 6 and 7

Parseval No. 5 was not delivered by Germany owing to the war, so