Experiments on rigid airship R.29

Abstract

Airship R.29. was the last ship of the 27 Class and it was considered desirable that a record of her performance should be obtained before she was placed out of commission. Arrangements were, therefore, made for the experiments described below to be carried out. Other reports dealing with full-scale experiments are :- R. & M. 537. "A flight in R.26." R. & M. 674. "Experiments on R.26." R. & M. 668. "Experiments on R.33." The principal experiments were :- Section (i).--Turning trials at various speeds and rudder angles for the original ship (R.29) ; with 303 sq. ft. of fabric removed from the upper fixed fin (R.29a) ; and with the whole of the fabric removed from the upper fixed fin (R.29b). Section (ii).--Course with rudders amidships or at small angles Section (iii).--Deceleration Trials. Section (iv).--Airspeed for various engine combinations. Section (v).--Attempted thrust measurements by pressure difference at amidships airscrew. Section (vi).--Distribution of speed in various localities.