French blimps operated by the USN

It appears that at least 13 French manufactured airships were operated by the USN from Paimbœuf; six were eventually shipped to the United States and one was returned to France before the armistice.

Missions were flown by the first two airships during the war and included training, convoy patrol, mine spotting, and anti-submarine operations.

Zodiac VZ-3 was operated by the USN at Paimbœuf during 1918, but was returned to the French in September of that year.

The RN-1 was rebuilt with a significantly modified and lightened control car and two Liberty engines replacing the Renaults.

A new 340,000-cubic-foot (9,600 m3) envelope was provided, the control car was further modified and the two Liberty engines were replaced by Packards.