Wasp 05

The first of these aerial gunboats were the Aphid - class, of which H.M.S. Wasp was the fifth. The Wasp was built in 1888 for the Syrtis Major station. The Wasp was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide and measured 160 tons. Her steam engine delivered 250 horsepower to a single wood air screw. It also powered a small dynamo which provided electricity for search and signaling lights. Louver slats of Meepsorian liftwood in the hull, controlled by a complicated arrangement of trim levers, could lift the ship to a high altitude.