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The C-Star class (sometimes written as C* class) of non-rigid airships or "blimps" were used by Britain's Royal Naval Air Service for convoy escort duties during World War I. Developed from the Coastal class (often referred to as the "C class"), the "*" in their designation indicated a modification of the original class [1] which they slowly replaced in service.

C-Star class
Role	Patrol airship Type of aircraft
National origin	United Kingdom
Number built	10

The C-Star class were slightly larger than their predecessors. With an endurance of up to 30 hours, and more powerful (and reliable) Renault engines, the C*s had the same basic layout as the Coastal Class, with the same trilobe envelope. However, the envelope tapered towards the rear, as on the SSZ class, which greatly improved stability, as did the larger control surfaces.[2]

Operators

 United Kingdom

• Royal Naval Air Service

Specifications

Data from [1][3]

General characteristics

• Crew: Five
• Length: 218 ft 0 in (66.46 m)
• Width: 49 ft 3 in (15.01 m)
• Height: 57 ft 3 in (17.53 m)
• Volume: 210,000 cu ft (6,000 m³)
• Useful lift: 4,030 lb (1,830 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × tractor-mounted Berliet engine , 110 hp (82 kW)
• Powerplant: 1 × pusher-mounted Fiat , 260 hp (193 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 58 mph (93 km/h, 50 kn)
• Endurance: at half speed 20 hours; at full speed 10 hours
• Service ceiling: 9,500 ft (2,900 m)

Notes

References

• London, P. (1999) U-Boat Hunters: Cornwall's Air War 1916–19 Dyllansow Truran, Truro. ISBN 1-85022-135-9
• Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1919. London: Sampson Low Marston.

External links

• C-star class on Airship Heritage Trust site

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