So far as is known, the only papers containing reference to the principles of rigid airship design or construction are those delivered by Herr Dornier to the German “ Schiffbantechnischen Gessellschaft ” in 1915 and by Mr. C. I. R. Campbell before the Institute of Naval Architects in 1919. The former paper dealt particularly with the Zeppelin, but while it contains valuable information yet it does not deal with the fundamental principles underlying rigid airship construction.

Further, the figures and estimates that are deduced are based on performances of the earlier Zeppelins and have been substantially improved upon during the war. The present paper is intended to state as far as possible the various principles underlying the design of a rigid airship, in the hope that such information may be of value in the progress of this important branch of aeronautics.