| North Sea class | |
|---|---|
| |
| N.S.8 | |
| Role | Naval patrol airship |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | RNAS Kingsnorth |
| First flight | 1 February 1917 |
| Introduction | 1917 |
| Retired | 25 October 1921 (last flight) |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary user | Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 14 |
The British NS (North Sea) class non-rigid airships were the largest and last in a succession of "blimps" that served with the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I; developed from experiences gained with earlier classes to operate off the east coast of Britain on long-range patrols.[1] Despite early problems, examples of the class went on to break all flying records for non-rigid airships,[2] and the type became regarded as the most efficient of its kind.[3]
- ^ North Sea Three - Archived 17 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine Turpin, Brian J. Retrieved on 30 March 2009.
- ^ Whale (2008), p.69.
- ^ North Sea class airships. The Airship Heritage Trust. Retrieved on 30 March 2009.