F-class blimp

F class
NAVY F-1
Role Engine testbed
Manufacturer Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation
Introduction 1918
Retired 1923
Primary user US Navy
Number built 1

The F class of US Navy blimps comprised a single airship, built during World War I by Goodyear as one of a group of three small blimps offered to the US government. Two were purchased for the US Navy and one for the US Army. The Navy blimps were designated E-1, F-1, and the Army airship A-1. Classified as an "Experimental Engine Testing Dirigible." F-1 had the same envelope size as the E-1, due to the use of a tractor mounted 125 hp Union engine, the performance was different. F-1 spent its entire career at Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Virginia). It was flown in both tractor and pusher configurations.[1] It also may have been flown with a Curtiss OXX engine.[2] F-1 was removed from inventory in November 1923.


Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: Three
  • Length: 162 ft 0 in (49.39 m)
  • Diameter: 33 ft 0 in (10.06 m)
  • Height: 49 ft 6 in (15.09 m)
  • Volume: 95,000 ft3 (2,690 m3)
  • Useful lift: 2,300 lb (1,043 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Union, 125 hp (93 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 52 mph (84 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 34 mph (55 km/h)
  • Range: 1,414 miles (2,269 km)
  • Endurance: 34 hours  12 min
  • Service ceiling: 8,000 ft (2,440 m)

References

  1. ↑ Shock, James R., U.S. Navy Airships 1915-1962, 2001, Atlantis Productions, Edgewater Florida, ISBN 0-9639743-8-6, page 34
  2. ↑ Shock, James R., U.S. Navy Airships 1915-1962, 2001, Atlantis Productions, Edgewater Florida, ISBN 0-9639743-8-6, page 34
  • Shock, James R. (2001). U.S. Navy Airships 1915-1962. Atlantis Productions, Edgewater Florida, ISBN 0-9639743-8-6. templatestyles stripmarker in |publisher= at position 42 (help)


See also

Related lists

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