 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2010) |
| 23 class | |
|---|---|
 23r with underslung Sopwith Camel | |
| General information | |
| Type | Training airship |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Vickers (23r and R26), Beardmore (24r), Armstrong-Whitworth (25r) |
| Number built | 4 |
| History | |
| First flight | 19 September 1917 |
The 23 class were rigid airships produced in the United Kingdom during the First World War. Development of the 23 class began in August 1915 when Vickers was asked to improve the 9r design by increasing its gas capacity by adding a bay and increasing the capacity of the bow and stern gas cells.[1] The 23-class was designed by H.B. Pratt and Barnes Wallis of Vickers.[2] Vickers built the first and last of the four ships. The other two were built by William Beardmore and Company and Armstrong-Whitworth. While the 23 class airships were never used in combat, the four ships provided many hours of valuable training and experimental data for British airship crews and designers. Although a total of 17 of these ships were contemplated at one time, only four were ever built.[3] The 23 class was found to be significantly overweight, leading to its cancellation in favour of the more-refined R23X class.