| R23X class | |
|---|---|
| |
| R27 during her brief career in the summer of 1918 | |
| Role | Naval patrol airship |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Beardmore (R27) Armstrong-Whitworth (R29) |
| First flight | 29 May 1918 |
| Primary user | RNAS / RAF |
| Number built | 2 |
| Developed from | 23 class airship |
The British R.23X class of rigid airships were developed during World War I using the experience gained from the 23 class, but only two of the planned four R.23X class were built: R.27 and R.29. Both were completed mid-1918, but just 2+1⁄2 months after entering service R.27 was destroyed by fire in a hangar; while R.29 went on to become the most successful British wartime rigid airship, being the only one to meet enemy action, as well as the only one to sink a submarine.[1]