The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-05-17
Navy Planes VIII Start on
Transatlantic Flight at
First Chance
ALL IN READINESS
FOR THE HOP OFF
Commander Towers Maintains
Strict Silence as to His Plans
for Future.

Washington, May 1e-The navy de-
partment announced today that upon
the outcome Of the proposed test
flight of the new navy dirigible C-5
"om the naval air station, Montauk,
y. y, 20 ST. Johns. y. E would de
pend the future plans in regard to
a transatlantic flight by a dirigible.
The flight TO Newfoundland, dis
tance OF approximately LOGO miles, it
was said, would be made whenever
weather conditions are favorable"
The navy department also dis
closed much data regarding the C-5
not heretofore published. The new
dirigible. which was commissioned
only a week ago. is commanded by
romndr E. w. Coil, and the mem
) Of the crew are Lieut.. j. V.
Lawrence and NJ P. Easterly En-
sign D. P. Campbell. and Chief Ma
chinists Mate T. l.. Moorman and S.
H. Blackburn
The C-5 is a twin engine non-rigid
airship with two 125 horse power en-
gines. The dirigible has an evelope
displacement Of approximately 17S,-
600 feet, an envelope length of 1872
feet and envelope diameter of near
ly ~ feet, making her the largest
Of the navy airships.
The normal speed of the C-5 is
placed in the navy departments an
noumcement at SO miles an hour with
an endurance at normal speed of ten
hours. However. in addition to the
useful load Of 1000 pounds and to the
crew of six, it was learned that pro-
visions can be made for a greater gas
oline carrying capacity thus increas
ing her cruising ability greately be-
yond the estimated 500 miles at
speed Of ~ knots.
Officials Of the navy department ap-
pear to be entirely confident that the
C-5, which was designed during the
war for coast patrol work, has ample
endurance to cross to Europe without
a stop. There is 4 general belief at
the navy department that the trans
Atlantic attempt will be ordered i'm
at st. Johns and before the naval
craft patrollinG the Atlantic for the
flight Of the heavier than air ma
chimes the NC-1 and NC-3 have dis
persed. 1t is regarded as practically
certain. however, that the dirigible
will not start until after the sea-
panes are we'll on their way or have
arrived on the other side as the navy
Will permit nothing to interfere with
the seaplane attempt.
The department put finishing
touches today on preparations for the
hop off" of the two seaplanes from
Trepassey Bay, \. F. The start may
come at any time now, ii was learned,
on weather conditions. Tht
weather forecast system is said to
have worked thus far with clockIike |
precision.
The department received today and |
transmitted to Commander Towers of |
Rome, Ga, the following message
rom Admiral Benson III Paris:
Congratulations upon your success
20 far. The navy department conf
lently expects you to make u success
ul transatlantic flight
In his official account Of the flight
rom Rockaway, transmitted to-day,
Towers described the
Light in detail and added:
Each seaplane spent approximate
y 40 minutes mancuvering for land
ng at Trepassey under very adverse
weather. conditions Winds as high as
> miles an hour We're encountered.
fairly smooth air was found
t $500 feet. Engines functioned we'll
II both legs. Radio telegraph main
aimed excellent communication. Navi |
alton WAS rendered difficult by the
Ugh velocity and varying directions
+ wind and necessity Of flying high
, avoid rough air. but means are re-
lrded as satisfactory.
Are engaged in overhauling and !,
efeulling NC-3 and NC-1 and will !,
art when conditions are favorable. :