ut 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 programme, 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 message received
in this country testified to the valiant manner in which one of these
ships met with destruction.

THE "NORTH SEA" AIRSHIP

The North Sea or N.S. airship was originally designed to act as a
substitute for the Rigid, which, in 1916, was still a long way from
being available for work of practical utility. From experience gained
at this time with airships of the Coastal type it was thought possible
to construct a large Non-Rigid capable of carrying out flights of
twenty-four hours' duration, with a speed of 55 to 60 knots, with
sufficient accommodation for a double crew.

The main requirements fall under four headings:

1. Capability to carry out flights of considerable duration.

2. Great reliability.

3. The necessary lift to carry an ample supply of fuel.

4. Adequate arrangements to accommodate the crew in comfort.

If these could be fulfilled the authorities were satisfied that ships
possessing these qualifications would be of value to the Fleet and
would prove efficient substitutes until rigid airships were available.
The North Sea, as may be gathered from its name, was intended to
operate on the e