The time for this seeming Utopia is not yet, however, although a group of airship interests in England are now planning airship services that may eventually set London within two and a half days of New York, one and a half days of Cairo, four of Rio de Janeiro, five and a half of Cape Town and seven of Australia. But first must come bold expenditure, very careful organization, many-sided research and improved invention.
Although no claim is made that present-day airships can compete for reliability with railroad trains and ocean liners, there is no doubt that a sufficient number of passengers are prepared to pay relatively higher rates for the great saving in time taken for long distance journeys, particularly over the ocean.
The demand would be mainly for the carriage of express freight and mail matter and for passenger traffic to serve people who wish to get from center to center in the shortest possible time. Another use for large airships would be the carrying of freight of high intrinsic value, such as valuable ores, from places otherwise inaccessible, or not provided with other means of direct transport.
To meet the requirements of various purposes for which airships may be utilized, dirigibles of four kinds are projected:
First, the airship of moderate size and high speed for carrying express, mails and passengers.
Secondly, the air liner solely for passenger traffic, of a large size and speed.
Thirdly, the large airship of comparatively slow speed, and great carrying capacity, for general transport.
Fourthly, the small non-rigid airship for private purchase and upkeep as an aërial yacht.
