although of the Astra-Torres type, was of streamline form, and in
that respect was a great advance on the early shape as used in
the Coastal. It is to all intents and purposes the same envelope
as is used on the North Sea ships, but on a smaller scale. An
entirely new type of fabric was employed for this purpose. The
same model of car was employed, but was made more comfortable,
the canvas covering for the sides being replaced by three-ply
wood. In all other details the car remained entirely the same.
The standard power units were a 100 horse-power Berliet forward
and a Fiat of 260 horse-power aft. The petrol tanks in this
design were carried inside the envelope, which was quite a new
departure.

These airships may be considered to have been successful, though
not perhaps to the extent which was expected by their most ardent
admirers. With the advent of the S.S. Twin it was resolved not
to embark on a large constructional progaramme, and when the
numbers reached double figures they were no longer proceeded
with. Notwithstanding this the ships which were commissioned
carried out most valuable work, and, like their prototypes, many
fine flights were recorded to their credit. Thirty-four and a
half hours was the record flight for this type of ship, and
another but little inferior was thirty hours ten minutes. These
flights speak well for the endurance of the crews, as it must be
borne in mind that no sleeping accommodation is possible in so
small a car.

The Coastal airship played no small part in the defeat of the
submarine, but its task was onerous and the enemy and the
elements unfortunately exacted a heavy toll. A German wireless