| |
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
R-101
|
|
|
The disaster which put an end to the use of airships in Britain. In spite of the *R-38 tragedy, the government commissioned two huge rigid airships in 1924. The R-100, designed by Barnes *Wallis, entered service safely in 1929, carrying 100 passengers. The larger R-101, carrying only 50 passengers but intended for the long-distance route to India, set out on its maiden voyage on 4 October 1930 with an official party on board which included the secretary of state for air. At 2 a.m. the following morning it touched the ground on its approach to Beauvais, caught fire and exploded. Only four of those on board survived. The R-100 was scrapped the following year.
|
|
|
|