R. 80 airship, side view

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R. 80 airship, side view

R.80 airship, side view

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 19920878

© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library) / Mary Evans Picture Library

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this side view image, the R.80 airship, a magnificent feat of engineering from the golden age of airship design, gracefully takes shape against the backdrop of a clear and expansive sky. The R.80, also known as the "R101's sister ship," was built by the British Airship Company at Cardington, Bedfordshire, in the late 1920s. This image showcases the airship's impressive dimensions, with its long, slender hull and elegant curves that were designed to minimize air resistance and maximize lift. The R.80 was a non-rigid airship, meaning its shape was maintained by the internal pressure of the helium it carried. This design allowed for a more streamlined appearance and reduced the overall weight of the airship. The image reveals the intricate details of the R.80's construction, from the delicate gondola at the front, which housed the crew and essential equipment, to the massive engines and fin stabilizers at the rear. The R.80 was intended for research purposes and was equipped with advanced scientific instruments for meteorological and geophysical studies. Its maiden flight took place on October 27, 1929, with a crew of 54 men on board. Tragically, the airship suffered an unfortunate fate during its second test flight on November 4, 1929, when it collided with a microburst of wind during landing, causing it to crash near Moorhouse in France, resulting in the loss of 48 lives. Despite this tragic end, the R.80 remains an important part of airship history and a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the pioneers of aviation. This evocative image offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to an era of exploration and innovation.

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