The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 166: 161: Airship Test

March 10th, 1903, New South Wales Industrial Zone.

After more than five months, Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell finally succeeded in replicating the rigid airship Lz-1, manufactured by Count Zeppelin, and also making improvements to some of its more obvious shortcomings.

As Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell were both indispensable assistants to Count Zeppelin in the creation of airships, the replicated airship almost perfectly inherited all the advantages of the Zeppelin Lz-1.

Moreover, due to Australia’s wealth, the two also made improvements to some issues Count Zeppelin was aware of but could not address due to lack of funds, thus giving birth to the AU-1 replica airship.

immediately after the airship’s birth, Arthur came to the Aerospace Laboratory in the suburbs of Sydney, not only to observe the pioneer of rigid airships first hand but also to release information to the outside world that the purpose of Australia’s aerospace laboratory was to develop airships.

Because it was a complete replica of the Lz-i rigid airship, AU-1’s exterior and performance were basically similar to that of the Lz-1 without any significant differences.

The AU-i airship was 128 meters long and had a diameter of 11.7 meters, with a total hydrogen gas capacity of approximately 11,300 cubic meters.

Even more terrifying, this airship had a carrying capacity of nearly ten tons, a figure that could not be matched by any other mode of transportation except for multi-car trains and transport ships.

However, both trains and transport ships have many significant limitations. Trains must run on tracks and require the construction of train stations and other facilities, involving huge costs and time.

Transport ships, though only needing to sail in the ocean, can still only transport between harbors.

And due to insufficient power, maritime transport is the longest and most inconvenient method.

If the AU-1 airship could be put into commercial use after some improvements, it would be a weapon of sky transportation.

At least in a short period of time, it could provide a lot of impetus for Australia’s development, as well as attract the attention of other countries to focus on airships rather than the development of airplanes.

For Arthur, the development of airships is important, but it is far less crucial than the development of airplanes for determining a country’s strength.

The primary function of airships is as an alternative means of transporting supplies and, before the advent of airplanes, a faster and more convenient mode of transportation.

If there were no accidents, airships were destined to be phased out by airplanes, which is why Arthur specifically instructed Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell to focus on the development of airplanes.

Testing airships requires a very open environment, so Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell deliberately chose a vacant field next to the Aerospace Laboratory for this experiment.

It is not necessary for airships to have a flat and narrow runway like airplanes. The main reason for needing an open space is simply to prevent accidents.

Arthur had wanted to personally experience the airship technology of this era, but he gave up under the joint persuasion of Theodore Korbel and Ludwig

Durrell.

In fact, their arguments were true. Although Count Zeppelin’s previous test had been very successful, who could guarantee that the Count’s third test flight would not fail?

After all, ascending into the sky was still a thrilling adventure filled with danger for humans at the time, and even the slightest carelessness could result in complete disaster.

Neither Arthur’s royal guard nor Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell dared to let Arthur board the airship. If there were an accident, it would be a responsibility that no one could bear.

Arthur soon abandoned the idea and even frightened himself into a cold sweat.

Even future perfected airships and airplanes would have accidents, not to mention those currently in the research and development stage.

Once Arthur boarded the airship and something went awry, wouldn’t he become the unluckiest time traveler?

Thus, the whole experiment turned into Arthur watching from afar with a telescope, while Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell personally piloted the airship for the test flight.

The destination for this test flight was the Sydney coast, about forty kilometers away.

The AU-i Airship would take off near the Aerospace Laboratory, carrying over a ton of stuff to the destination, and then transport the steel, wood, and other materials needed for the Aerospace Laboratory back.

This experiment carried at least one ton of supplies each way, which greatly increased the danger of the test. In case of an accident, all supplies and personnel might be lost.

This flight test was somewhat shorter than the previous one with Count Zeppelin’s LZ-i airship, but the actual difference was not too significant.

After some preparations, Professors Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell took a deep breath and boarded the airship that had already been parked. Accompanying them were several assistants from the Aerospace Laboratory, who would help Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell operate the airship more effectively.

With Arthur’s permission, the AU-1 gradually took off. After slowly stabilizing in the sky, it turned around and headed towards the coastline.

Although it was just the initial version of the rigid airship, the LZ-i’s speed still reached over thirty kilometers per hour.

As an improved version three years later, the AU-1 had a slightly faster speed, which basically could maintain at above thirty-five kilometers per hour.

Although such a speed was slow compared to the airplanes of later generations, it was considered fast in the early 20th century when trains only had a speed of about fifty or sixty kilometers per hour.

Since the destination was more than forty kilometers away from the Aerospace Laboratory, the round trip would take at least five or six hours, including loading and unloading.

It was noon when the airship left the Aerospace Laboratory, and it was already well into the afternoon when it returned slowly.

Compared to normal airship flights, takeoff and landing were actually the most dangerous parts.

Especially landing, a slight mistake could result in a significant accident, even with the rigid airship that had significantly improved safety.

Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell operated very cautiously, and the entire landing process took half an hour.

As the sound of the airship touching the ground echoed, Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Your Highness, the first AU-i rigid airship flight test was a complete success! We carried one ton and 1.5 tons of supplies, respectively, traveled approximately eighty kilometers, and the total voyage took six hours and seven minutes.” As soon as they stepped off the airship, Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell eagerly reported to Arthur.

“The actual time spent on airship navigation was just over two hours. Our airship was able to maintain a steady speed of about thirty-five kilometers per hour, and it was very stable in the sky, without any significant turbulence,” said Theodore Korbel with a smile.

“Check for any damage to the airship’s exterior and interior, and record complete data of this test,” Arthur ordered.

Based on this test, the AU-i airship’s test was successful. Though they had the successful experience of Count Zeppelin’s LZ-1 airship three years ago, Theodore Korbel and Ludwig Durrell undoubtedly made significant contributions.

“After you finish all this, clean up and enjoy a small celebratory banquet tonight. Also, tell everyone at the Aeronautical Research Institute that I am very satisfied with the test results of this airship, and all of you will receive a reward of five hundred pounds each. Especially you, Professor Theodore Korbel and Professor Ludwig Durrell. Your expertise in replicating the airship is invaluable, and each of you will receive a royal reward of 2000 pounds,” said Arthur with a smile.