top of the gas-chambers was a platform of aluminium alloy, carrying a
1-pounder gun, and used also as an observation station. It is thought
that L1 was also provided with four machine-guns in her cars.

Later types of Zeppelins were fitted with a "wireless" installation of
sufficient range to transmit and receive messages up to 350 miles. L1
could rise to the height of a mile in favourable weather, and carry
about 7 tons over and above her own weight.

Even when on ground the unwieldy craft cause many anxious moments to
the officers and mechanics who handle them. Two of the line have broken
loose from their anchorage in a storm and have been totally destroyed.
Great difficulty is also experienced in getting them in and out of their
sheds. Here, indeed, is a contrast with the ease and rapidity with which
an aeroplane is removed from its hangar.

It was maintained by the inventor that, as the vessel is rigid, and
therefore no pressure is required in the gas-chamber to maintain its
shape, it will not be readily vulnerable to projectiles. But the Count
did not foresee that the very "frightfulness" of his engine of war would
engender counter-destructives. In a later chapter an account will be
given of the manner in which Zeppelin attacks upon these islands were
gradually beaten off by the combined efforts of anti-aircraft guns and
aeroplanes. To the latter, and the intrepid pilots and fighters, is due
the chief credit for the final overthrow of the Zeppelin as a weapon of
offence. Both the British and French airmen in various brilliant sallies
succeeded in gradually breaking up and destroying this Armada of the
Air; and the Zeppelin was forced back to the one line of work in which
it has proved a success, viz., scouting for the German fleet in the few
timid sallies it has made from home ports.

CHAPTER XI. The Semi-rigid Air-ship

Modern air-ships are of three general types: RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, and
NON-RIGID. These differ from one another, as the names suggest, in the
important feature, the RIGIDITY, NON-RIGIDITY, and PARTIAL RIGIDITY of
the gas envelope.

Hitherto we have discussed the RIGID type of vessel with which the name
of Count Zeppelin is so closely associated. This vessel is, as we have
seen, not dependent for its form on the gas-bag, but is maintained
in permanent shape by means of an aluminium framework. A serious
disadvantage to this type of craft is that it lacks the portability
necessary for military