The sun., 1919-07-02
BY the Associated Press.

BY ths associated Press
EAST FORTUNE, Scotland. Wednesday
July 2.--The British dirigible R-s4
started on its flight across the Atlantic
10 the United States at 1:4S o'clock
this morning (S:4s P. M. July /, New
York time). A final tuning up was
given the giant airship at 6 o'clock last
night, preparatory to the voyage. The
trip. It is estimated, win require from
so to 70 hours. The new motor. In
stalled since the trip into the Baltic,
worked perfectly, according to the Of
ficers at the airdrome.
Everything possible had been done
for the comfort Of the crew on the
fight. There are twenty-three men,
bers Of the crew. and they were In fine
fettle for the pioneer trip Of lighter
than air machine between Great Brit
ain and the United States.
The time for starting was fixed for
O'Clock this morning because at this
time it was figured that atmospheric
conditions would be the best for the
lifting of the heavy load. Although it
was the first time the R-34 had car
rled capacity load, the start was a
complete success.
The meteorological forecast for the
week is favorable for the trip. Winds
will be encountered across the main
route which will bring with them IA
vorabie weather conditions, it is re-
ported.
Prior to the start Lieutenant-Com-
mander Zachary Lansdowne of the
United States Navy. on board at the
invitation OF the British Admiralty,
said:
There is no doubt whatever In my
mind, or, believe, in the minds Of
any OF the crew, that We will get
ever without difficulty. AS 1 under
stand IL, We will not attempt any
speed trial. We will cross as quickly
as possible. avoiding adverse winds,
but at the same time not overlooking
any opportunity for observations likely
to be of aid in the future TO navi-
gators and airship pilots crossing the
Atlantic"
Under normal conditions OF weather
the R-34 could sail TO Long Island and
return without replenishing her sup
plies but nothing was overlooked In
the attempt to make this historic
fight. Major Scott, her commander,
said he would attempt to follow a
great circle and arrive over New
foundland. This is only a hope, how
ever, he added. as weather conditions
IN mld-Atlantic might force him in
almost any direction to escape cyclonic
conditions.
Give me an even break and I'll get
across without any trouble" said
Major Scott before starting. Il took
her 1000 miles over the Baltic, came
back in a deSil OF a wind and when we
got here had petrol enough to do
forty more hours. And, remember, we
were not fully loaded with petrol when
we started. I cannot tell you Just
how much petrol we have aboard for
this still is naval craft. you know
Bat you may be assured that We have
more than when we started our last
trip"
The R-34 the largest of it's kind
In the world, measures 534 feet from
nose to stern and carries three boa t.
below the gas bag. She has a ga,
capacity of 100000 cubic feet, anC
is commanded by Major G.. Fl. Scot
OF the Royal Air Force. The craft IL
equipped with wireless system a,
powerful as that Of the great ocear
liners.
Among the crew is Lieut. Com
nander Zachary Lansdowney. stan
Commander of the American Nava
Air Forces in France, who is making
the voyage as representative of tn,
United States Navy.
II has been estimated that the R-3-
viii cross the Atlantic in from sixty
TO seventy hours under favorable con
d.tlons. Announcement has beer
made, however, that no attempt viii
he made to establish time record fol
lhe crossing. the comfort of the diri
gIole'a crew being the first considera
tio1.
With favorable weather, the R-3i 1,
expected TO parallel the route OF tht
northern steamship lanes. but should
adverse weather conditions be en-
countered she probably will take the
southern course, passing over or neal
the Azores.
The landing will be made at Roose
Welt Field. Mineola. L. !.
The R-34 recently made a 5s-houl
trip into the Baltic. during which sh'
covered approximately 1000 miles.