Wonders of World Aviation

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Part 31

Part 31 of Wonders of World Aviation was published on Tuesday 4th October 1938, price 7d.


This part included a central photogravure supplement further illustrating the article on American Airships.


The Cover

This week’s cover shows a Royal Air Force biplane about to be launched from a catapult at No.1 RAF Flying Training School at Leuchars, Scotland.


An article on Catapults for Aircraft appeared in Part 15 and Part 16.


Contents of Part 31


Flying Boats and their Work

(Part 2)


RAF Squadron Badges


The Italian Air Force


American Airships


American Airships

(photogravure supplement)

a Royal Air Force biplane about to be launched from a catapult at No.1 RAF Flying Training School at Leuchars


American Airships:

Photogravure Supplement


THE AKRON BROKE LOOSE from the mooring mast in the naval tanker Patoka, off Norfolk, Virginia, at the first attempt. The airship was successfully moored at the second attempt. When moored, the Akron remained at the mast for forty-five minutes. The Los Angeles was also successfully moored to this mast and remained there for long periods.


American Airships:

Photogravure Supplement - 2


IN THE AIRSHIP CONSTRUCTION SHED at Akron, helium gas is stored beneath the floor. A million cubic feet of gas can be stored at a pressure of 750 lb per square foot. The shed is 1,175 feet long by 325 feet wide and has a height of 211 feet. A network of tunnels below the concrete floor is used to bring in power, water, fuel and helium gas, and to provide other service facilities. The airship in the shed is the Macon.



American Airships:

Photogravure Supplement - 3


HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, the T.C. 13 was transferred to the United States Navy in 1938. She is shown flying above Chicago during the Exhibition of 1933. The T.C. 13 is a non-rigid airship with a capacity of 360,000 cubic feet. She was built with a length of 233 feet and a diameter of 54 feet. The car is over 40 feet long and is built flush with the envelope.


Contents of Part 31


Altitude Pioneers


Norway’s Aviators

(Part 1)


THE AMERICAN AIRSHIP AKRON and the naval tanker PatokaTHE AIRSHIP CONSTRUCTION SHED at AkronTHE AIRSHIP CONSTRUCTION SHED at AkronThe T.C. 13 is a non-rigid airship