![]() ![]() ![]() Gwynne for bringing it back to life in his captivating, thoroughly researched new book, “His Majesty’s Airship.” A journalist turned author whose 2010 book, “ Empire of the Summer Moon,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Gwynne spins a rich tale of technology, daring and folly that transcends its putative subject. R101 was soon forgotten, at least in the United States. Still, another six and a half years would pass before the airship era reached its grand finale, when the Hindenburg went down in flames in New Jersey. ![]() Suffice it to say that the voyage ended badly, as dirigible flights often did. The inherent dangers of the rigid airships called dirigibles were well known by 1930, when R101 slipped its mooring mast at Cardington, England, and began its maiden voyage to Karachi in what was then British-ruled India. Not to worry, though - the room was lined with asbestos, one of many reasons the airship was said to be the safest ever built. More than 700 feet long, R101 was the largest flying machine of its time, with a 60-seat dining room, windowed promenades and even a smoking lounge, a curious design choice for an aircraft filled with explosive hydrogen gas. The huge British airship was a sight to behold. ![]() HIS MAJESTY’S AIRSHIP: The Life and Tragic Death of the World’s Largest Flying Machine, by S.C. ![]()
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