The History of Airships: The Rise, Fall, and Possible Emergence

Although airplanes have existed for more than 100 years, they continue to impress many people because of how they take flight and carry passengers across different countries. But one ship in the sky is not given as much attention because, well, it hasn’t been flying in the air frequently. What are they? Airships.

And if you’re wondering how these came about and what led to their downfall, read more about the airships and their history.

Rise of Airships

According to Britannica, the first ever airship was invented by Henri Giffard in 1852. And it has been developed over the next few years, with changes in the fuel and sheeting. But the story of airships won’t be complete without telling the story of Graf von Zeppelin. His airship would have changed history. It was meant to carry passengers and mail and let those travel around the world. 

It experienced hijinks along the way, including the gas needed to make the lift. Plus, it had to let go of hydrogen because of petrol usage. Despite this, Dr. Hugo Eckener, an anti-Nazi and Luftschiffbau Zeppelin chairman, alongside Ludwig Dürr, wanted to protect passengers and keep them safe.

What were the features of the airship?

• Cockpit
• Navigation room
• Radio room
• Galley
• Large saloon
• Passenger cabins
• Washrooms and chemical toilets

Seeing as there was little room for people to stay in this airship, Eckener had run a publicity stunt, and only a select few passengers could hop aboard. There were even commemorative items for the chosen few. According to Engineering and Technology, here were the lucky passengers:

• Lady Grace Hay Drummond-Hay
• Australian polar explorer
• US report
• A cameraman
• Young US millionaire
• Japanese, US, and Soviet Union representatives

These lucky few got the chance to view the pyramids, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and North Africa. They even had the privilege to view the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset when they were in San Francisco.

How long did they travel? 12 days and 11 minutes!

Despite the promise this airship held, its reputation took a hit and started the fall of airships.

Fall of Airships

One of the main reasons that airships weren’t popular was because of Nazi Germany. Foreign nations were apprehensive of the German invention. In turn, they restricted flight on their land. At one point, the ruling German party at that time had put the party’s infamous symbol in the airship’s fin. But Eckener ensured that viewers from below will not see the symbol above.

Technically speaking, airships didn’t become obsolete. Blimps are airships and have been used in major sporting events. And it hasn’t been frequenting the skies because of cost, build, and operations. Reader’s Digest reported that the Federal Aviation Administration had authorized only 120+ airships to operate. Plus, there are only 25 blimps in existence, and half are for advertising purposes.

Also, one other reason airships aren’t frequently seen up in the air was because of its vulnerability during stormy weather.

The Eventual Comeback

Back in February, Discovery reported that the Skyship 600, an airship, was seen flying in Florida. But this wasn’t for entertainment purposes. It was for research, particularly cloud formation and insect migration.

This airship can land on any surface, opening up opportunities for potential tourist activities. There could be an airship that would help tourists fly over the North Pole.

And for other news and stories, read more here at Owner’s Mag!