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The C-Star class (sometimes written as C* class) of non-rigid airships or "
blimps
A blimp, or non-rigid airship, is an airship (dirigible) without an internal structural framework or a keel. Unlike semi-rigid and rigid airships (e.g. Zeppelins), blimps rely on the pressure of the lifting gas (usually helium, rather than hyd ...
" 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
[''Jane's'' 1919, 11c.] which they slowly replaced in service.
The C-Star class were slightly larger than their predecessors. With an endurance of up to 30 hours, and more powerful (and reliable)
Renault
Groupe Renault ( , , , also known as the Renault Group in English; legally Renault S.A.) is a French multinational automobile manufacturer established in 1899. The company produces a range of cars and vans, and in the past has manufacture ...
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.
[London, 1999, p. 45.]
Operators
;
*
Royal Naval Air Service
Specifications
Notes
References
* London, P. (1999) ''U-Boat Hunters: Cornwall's Air War 1916–19'' Dyllansow Truran, Truro.
*
External links
C-star class on Airship Heritage Trust site
{{RNAS blimps
Airships of the United Kingdom
1910s British patrol aircraft