SERVICE RECORD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 13

SERVICE RECORD

LONG-DISTANCE WOIiK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANY ATLANTIC CROSSINGS Designed for the transport of passengers, mail and freight over long distances, the Zeppelin Hindenburg, originally known as the LZ 129, was built at Fricdrichshafen in 1935. By the end of 1936 she had completed 10 trips across the North Atlantic, flying between Frankfurt and Lakehurst. In the first seven months of her existence, tho dirigible flew a distance equal to approximately six trips round the world, and on almost every trip across the Atlantic all tho available accommodation was fully occupied. The 16 gas-hags of the Hindenburg were originally filled with hydrogen alone, although at the time of the disaster they contained, according to tho cablegrams, a mixture of hydrogen and blue gas. In the early stages of the airship's existence, provision was made so that the system of bags could be changed, to contain both hydrogen and helium, the former being used as the main buoyant gas, and the latter as an auxiliary gas. Four Huge Engines The plan was for tho hydrogen to bo stored in special reserve bags completely inside the main bags, and totally surrounded by the helium, which is non-inflammable. The cheaper hydrogen was to be released as required,' to counteract the loss of weight through fuel being used. Tho huge hull, of a normal streamline shape but considerably less slender than that of the Graf Zeppelin, was 813.5 ft. long. The framework was constructed of a particularly durable light alloy, as was used for the Graf Zeppelin. Steel wire was used for the bracing, and the outer cover was of cotton, made waterproof by doping. The airship was propelled by four 1000 horse-power compression-ignition motors, built by the Daimler-Benz A.G., of Stuttgart. They were 16cylinder water-cooled units, started by special compressed-air devices. The engines were in nacelles suspended on struts outside the hull. Comforts for Passengers Fuel stocks, consisting of Diesel oil to a weight of some 59 tons, were stored in a large number of separate tanks fitted to tho keel framework, so that they were suspended along each side of the "catwalk." The control cabin was placed well forward. The most notable feature of the Hindenburg was the arrangement of the passenger accommodation. The ship had two large groups of general saloons with promenade walks and 25 cabins, each fitted with two berths. Far more space and increased comfort was provided for passengers, compared with that available on the Graf Zeppelin. A specially-designed smoking-Toom was provided on board the airship. The passenger accommodation was arranged on two decks, one above the other, the top deck having on one side the large dining-saloon and on the other a writing and readingroom, as well as promenades with long stretches of window. Between them was the cabin accommodation. Accommodation for Crew The smaller lower deck housed the bathroom, the navigating quarters, the smoking room, kitchen and crew's mess rooms. All the rooms were airconditioned and air-heated, and all the lighting and cooking was by electricity. The crew's accommodation was inside the hull along each side of the "catwalk," most of it being toward the bow.

The Hindenburg had an unladen weight, including fuel and oil, of 193 tons, and a gross lift of 212 tons, in normal conditions. She had a cruising speed of 78 miles an hour and a range of 8700 miles.