similar fans both fore and aft provide attachment for the
handling guys. Auxiliary fans on the same principle support the
petrol tanks and ballast bag.

Four gas and six air valves in all are fitted, all of which are
automatic.

Two ripping panels are embodied in the top lobe of the envelope.

The N.S. ship carries four fins, to three of which are attached
the elevator and rudder flaps. The fourth, the top fin, is
merely for stabilizing purposes, the other three being identical
in design, and are fitted with the ordinary system of wiring and
kingposts to prevent warping.

The petrol was originally carried in aluminium tanks disposed
above the top ridges of the envelope, but this system was
abandoned owing to the aluminium supply pipes becoming fractured
as the envelope changed shape at different pressures. They were
then placed inside the envelope, and this rearrangement has given
every satisfaction.

To the envelope of the N.S. is rigged a long covered-in car. The
framework of this is built up of light steel tubes, the
rectangular transverse frames of which are connected by
longitudinal tubes, the whole structure being braced by diagonal
wires. The car, which tapers towards the stern, has a length of
85 feet, with a height of 6 feet. The forward portion is covered
with duralumin sheeting, and the remainder with fabric laced to
the framework. Windows and portholes afford the crew both light