D.E. Type
The D.E. is a small airship, and corresponds to a certain extent to our own S.S. ships. It is of semi-rigid design, with the hinged keel similar to that employed in the M type. The car is shaped like a boat, as in the British S.S. Zero, with the engine mounted on bearers aft above the level of the car. No seating accommodation is provided. Similar rudders and elevators to those of the M. ships are adopted with the exception of the top stabilising fin, which is dispensed with.
The envelope in this case is composed of three-ply fabric, and is divided into compartments, giving a total capacity of 92,000 cubic feet. The gas consumption of these ships is exceedingly low, an average number of two tubes per day being all that is required under ordinary conditions.
A 100 h.p. six-cylindered vertical Fiat engine supplies the motive power driving a two-bladed pusher propeller. The climbing capacity of these ships is very remarkable, and they are exceedingly easy to handle. They were employed on coast patrol work during the War.