Military, Naval and Civil Airships

An exploration of the history and development of the dirigible airship from its humble beginnings in the late eighteenth century through to its current role as military command posts among other uses. Starting out as an unreliable experimental aircraft whilst aeronauts first began to learn the secrets of aerial navigation, the airship was remodelled in 1900 by Count Zeppelin to become a potent weapon of war. It was then transformed again into a short-lived solution to long-distance passenger air travel. With over 100 technical drawings and contemporary images of dirigible aircraft, Ridley-Kitts presents a comprehensive and fascinating history of the airship. Military, Naval and Civil Airships is a must read for those that wish to delve into the development of the aircraft for the first time and for airship specialists alike.

DANIEL G RIDLEY-KITTS MBE worked in the aircraft industry after leaving school and served in the RAF as a national serviceman on a fighter squadron in Germany. He was made MBE in the 1994 New Year's Honours List for 'Services to the Oil Industry'.