SSP-class blimp

The SSP (Submarine Scout Pusher) were a class of Royal Navay blimps developed by the United Kingdom during World War I as a successor to the earlier SS class blimp. Found to be inferior to a parallel development, the Submarine Scout Zero blimp, only a few were built. The main role of these craft was to escort convoys and scout or search for German U-Boats.

Design and development
In 1916, design commenced at RNAS Kingsnorth on an SS class -type airship that would have a more comfortable purpose-built car, and not simply be an adaptation of an aeroplane fuselage. The SSP cars were of rectangular cross-section, had a blunt nose, and could accommodate a crew of three.

As the name suggests, the SSP was powered by a 100 hp Green engine monted on bearers to the rear of the car, powering a 9 ft diameter four-bladed propeller in pusher configuration. Four examples of the type were later fitted with 75 hp Rolls-Royce Hawk engines.

Six SSPs entered service between January and June 1917, but because of the success of the SSZ type it was decided that these would become the standard SS variant, and the SSP programme was terminated.

Operators

 * Royal Navy
 * Royal Navy