War Zeppelins.—Monstrous as the above ships are, they are quite dwarfed by the recent type of military Zeppelins. The latter carry motors aggregating no less than nine hundred [904] horse power. The length varies from five hundred to eight hundred feet, and the diameter is proportional. The gas capacity exceeds a million cubic feet.
Aëroplane versus Airship.—-On the airship’s side the following strong points are claimed: (1) Greater manœuvering power than the aëroplane, more especially with respect to rapidity of ascent; (2) greater offensive power, i.e. ability to carry heavier guns owing to its far greater lifting capacity; (3) ability to stand still or hover in the air over one spot (for bomb-dropping), or remain stationary in the air, end on to the enemy, for the purpose of obtaining a steady gun platform; (4) greater flying durability, i.e. ability to remain longer in the air at a stretch; (5) ability to fly at night.
Manning the Airship.—The crew of a military airship includes the following: the pilot, the engineer, the steersman, the wireless operator, and last but by no means least the observer. The total number of the crew varies with the size of the airship, and the particular mission in view. The pilot is the captain of the airship, and is responsible for (1) the route, (2) the altitude or elevation at which the airship travels, and (3) the maintenance of the correct pressure on the envelope. The steersman maintains the course ordered him, by means of a compass or by special instructions which may be given him, and also controls the altitude or elevation as ordered. The engineer naturally looks after the engines and the mechanical part of the apparatus with which the airship is fitted.
MARVELOUS MECHANISM OF THE MODERN SUBMARINE
Its interior is a steel maze of intricate machinery that fills it from end to end, and makes it easily the most remarkable of modern marine craft.
THE SUBMARINE
Though the submarine boat has only recently been brought to a high degree of practical efficiency, its history extends back to the seventeenth century, and even beyond. The modern submarine, however, whether of the American, English, or German type, has followed the model [905] of J. P. Holland, an American inventor who submitted designs to the United States government in 1895.
SUBMARINE WITH WIRELESS EQUIPMENT