NationStates Jolt Archive

"Under the command of the Gods, the solidery of Drakwald is to now take to the air. The newest invention devised by our smithies, the Airship is a marvel of the modern age. It is filled with a unique gas - helium - which is actually lighter then air. Large bags of this helium are placed inside a metal frame, which is then covered with thick canvas. On the bottom, a cab is attached to the frame, which houses both the crew and weapons. Also, because of the frame, crew are able to gain access to the interior of the balloon to effect repairs and such. Currently, the Khorgor is powered by four 800-horsepower six-cylinder radial propeller engines, and has a net lifting weight of nearly 75 tons. The primary weapons payload is to be four 20-pound Parrott cannons, 6 10-pound M186's, and eight 3-inch ordinance rifles. These are to utilize our new canister shot, designed to hit large clusters of enemy troops and such. Also, solid shot will be available for attacking fortifications. Defensivly, six MG08 machine guns are to be fitted into couplas on the side and rear of the main cab, with another in both the nose and tail of the balloon. The primary weapons are all fitted to the front of the cab, around the cockpit. At present, the ballon is an estimated six hundred feet long, which makes it one of, if not the largest flying object to date.

Our budget for this year will allow for the construction of ten Khorgor-class airships, of whcih eight will have the same payload as the first Khorgor, with the other two havign their cannons replaced with space for troops. Lord Khazrak has expressed an interest in beign able to deploy warriors from the airships, so we are developing a troop-carrying model.

For the Empire!"

-Lord Beol the Dark, Captain of Production

http://www.geocities.com/kranzyoktyabr/zepplin.txt
The Khorgor during flight trials.