Zeppelin

For the English rock band, see Led Zeppelin.

A Zeppelin is a type of airship. Airships are aircraft that float in air, because they are filled with a lightweight gas. A Zeppelin is a dirigible, which means it is a rigid airship, but can be moved around by itself. It was developed by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, in the early 20th century. The name Zeppelin is now used as a common name for all rigid airships. Zeppelins were used in the First World War. In the Second World War the Nazis largely used them for propaganda purposes.

The airship Hansa (photo of 1912)

A modern Zeppelin

One of the most well-known Zeppelins was the LZ 129 Hindenburg, which caught fire on May 6, 1937, during a landing after a non-stop trip from Germany to New Jersey in the United States. After this, Zeppelin passenger service came to a stop. The LZ 130 Graf Zeppelin was still in use, although some modifications had to be made. Early the Second World War the remaining Zeppelins were demolished so their metal could be used for other things.

Plans have been proposed, to use Zeppelins to lift heavy weights. Some are used as tourist attractions, or for advertising.