Chief Draughtsman for the Admiralty, Stephen Payne, was born in 1886. He began his career at the Royal Naval Engineering College at Keyham, Plymouth. He was quickly promoted and was in charge of the construction of several ships. In 1915 he transferred to airships and worked on the design of the R31, R32 and R38 airships under Ivor Campbell at Cardington. He later returned to naval duties.
