Russian Airships

Russian AirshipsThis 350 page book, the very first to be written in English on the subject, tells the story of airship development in Russia. Staring with Kostovitch's design in 1880, it goes on to list the Imperial Army's acquisitions which at the time made Russia the third most powerful aviation force in the world. The use of these airships in WW1 is discussed. After attempts to bring about a post war revival, overflights by Graf Zeppelin triggered a drive within

This 350 page book, the very first to be written in English on the subject, tells the story of airship development in Russia.

Staring with Kostovitch's design in 1880, it goes on to list the Imperial Army's acquisitions which at the time made Russia the third most powerful aviation force in the world. The use of these airships in WW1 is discussed.
After attempts to bring about a post-war revival, overflights by ÔGraf ZeppelinÕ triggered a drive within the Soviet government to produce their own fleet of rigid airships - the ÔLenin SquadronÕ. The reality of the 1930Õs efforts by the State led DZS organisation fell short, but with the Nobile's help, DZS produced a number of airships, including the record-breaking USSR-V6. After this a gradual decline set in, culminating in the loss of the ÔPobedaÕ in 1947.

The author reviews various design efforts of the 1970Õs, together with modern concepts, before concluding with a more detailed look at the latest designs being produced by the RosAeroSystems company.