N.S.7 (North Sea-class)

History

At the start of the First World War (1914-1918), the British Air Force could only claim to have six airships. This stockpile eventually increased as the war progressed, and airships and dirigibles played an increasing role throughout the conflict, until they were overtaken by the latest fighter jets and "airship destroyers." Developed as a non-rigid (without internal frame structure) operated by the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), the British North Sea-class or NS-class airships arrived in 1917, the first flight recorded on 1 February this year. Ultimately completing 14 courses, the series flew into the early 1920s.

One of those stocks was N.S. 7, which successfully survived the remainder of the war. Due to her role in the conflict, she was stationed outside of Eastern Fortune.

Airships at the time were used to perform important wartime services such as anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, naval artillery guidance and escort.

As a class, the boat is designed to carry a crew of 10 and is powered by 2 250 hp Rolls Royce Eagle engines. These were later replaced on some airships by 2 Fiat engines, each with 240 hp.

Performance includes a top speed of nearly 60 mph, with a 24-hour endurance window and a 9,500-foot service ceiling.

Carry 3 to 5 7.7mm Lewis Guns for defense against looting enemy fighters. A 1,380-pound bomb load consists of a conventional airdrop depot.

Of the fourteen available NS-class airships, only six were in service at the end of the war. The N.S.7 was used after the war to provide air escort for the surrendering German High Seas Fleet on the voyage to Rosyth. The airship completed its final flight on October 25, 1921.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes