Both were completed mid-1918, but just 2+1⁄2 months after entering service R.27 was destroyed by fire in a hangar; while R.29 went on to become the most successful British wartime rigid airship, being the only one to meet enemy action, as well as the only one to sink a submarine.

The gas-bags were shaped to accommodate a new internal corridor, created by the provision of inverted U-shaped ribs above the two lowest longitudinal members, which also allowed access to the fuel tanks and ballast.

However, as with earlier designs, doped linen was used for the hull's outer covering; and being absorbent, just a few hours of rain could add around a ton of water to the weight.

Under the command of Major Ommaney she flew for a total of 89 hours 40 minutes, and came to a premature end while at RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service) Howden airship station on 16 August that year.

Petrol fumes from a spillage in the car were ignited some time later by a spark when the radio equipment was being tested; and the ensuing fireball, fed by fuel and gas, completely enveloped and destroyed both craft.

She encountered German U-boats on three occasions – the first escaped; the second struck a mine when pursued; and under the command of Major G. M. Thomas on 29 September 1918 she attacked a third, UB-115 about 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) northeast of Beacon Point, Newton-by-the-Sea, off Northumberland.