Time Period: World War I
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Airship
Manufacturer: Royal Aircraft Factory
SS Class Airship Airship Overview
The SS (Submarine Scout or Sea Scout) class airships were a series of small, non-rigid airships, commonly known as “blimps,” developed by the British during World War I. Designed in response to the urgent need to counter the German U-boat threat that posed a significant danger to British shipping, these airships played a crucial role in maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and mine detection.
The SS class airships proved versatile and highly effective, contributing significantly to the reduction of U-boat threats and enhancing the safety of British shipping. Their presence provided a crucial early warning system against enemy submarines, and their relatively low cost and ease of production allowed the Royal Navy to deploy them in large numbers. The success of the SS class airships marked an important chapter in the history of military aviation, demonstrating the value of lighter-than-air craft in naval warfare and anti-submarine operations.
Development and Purpose
The development of the SS class airships was driven by the growing menace of German submarines, which were disrupting vital supply lines to the United Kingdom. The Royal Navy required an inexpensive, quick-to-produce solution that could be deployed in large numbers to protect shipping lanes, locate submarines, and mark or destroy sea mines. The SS class was the result of this need—a simple and cost-effective design that could be rapidly manufactured and deployed.
Operational use included:
- Anti-Submarine Patrols: The primary role of the SS class was anti-submarine patrol. The airships flew at low altitudes, patrolling coastal waters and shipping lanes to spot periscopes or surfaced submarines. Upon sighting a U-boat, the airship would radio the position to nearby naval vessels or attack directly using bombs.
- Mine Detection and Destruction: A secondary but significant role was to detect floating or moored sea mines, which posed a severe threat to Allied shipping. The airships would mark the mines for later destruction by naval forces or, in some cases, engage them directly.
- Escort Duties: The SS class also escorted convoys, providing an aerial presence that discouraged submarine attacks. Their ability to loiter above convoys for extended periods made them invaluable for convoy protection.
Design and Features
The SS class airships were non-rigid, meaning they lacked an internal framework and relied on the pressure of the gas within the envelope to maintain their shape. This made them lightweight and easy to assemble.
The gas envelope was typically filled with hydrogen, providing the necessary lift. It was attached to a lightweight, open gondola that carried the crew, engines, and essential equipment. The gondola was essentially a repurposed airplane fuselage, often derived from aircraft like the BE.2c, with a mounted engine—usually a modified airplane engine such as the RAF 1a or the Sunbeam engine—providing propulsion. The engine was located in the rear, driving a pusher propeller.
The SS class airships were typically equipped with simple but effective means of detecting and engaging enemy submarines. Armaments included small bombs or depth charges, and the crew could also carry rifles or machine guns for defense. The airships were fitted with basic navigational and communication tools, including signaling lamps for coordination with surface vessels.
SS Class Airship Specifications
- Length: 143 ft 5 in (43.7 m)
- Diameter: 27 ft 9 in (8.5 m)
- Height: 43 ft 9 in (13.3 m)
- Volume: 60,000 cu ft (1,700 m3)
- Powerplant: 1 × Green/Renault/Rolls-Royce , 75 hp (56 kW)
SS Class Airship Performance
- Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h, 43 kn)
- Service ceiling: 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
SS Class Airship Armament
- 160 lb (73 kg) bombs
- Lewis Gun
