NEW ZEPPELIN

Southland Times, Issue 25359, 10 August 1935, Page 5

NEW ZEPPELIN

RANGE OF 10,000 MILES FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA LIKELY UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, August 8. An Australian Press Association’s correspondent interviewed Dr Eckener at Friedrichshafen concerning the Zeppelin LZI29 which, at his suggestion is being named Hindenburg. Dr Eckener said he expected it to be completed by the middle of November and to commence its transatlantic voyages early next year. It would have a range of 10,000 miles at cruising speed without refuelling. Dr Eckener intends the Hindenburg to fly to Batavia, in which case an opportunity might be found to continue to Sydney and return to Batavia without refuelling. The Zeppelin’s refinements include a smoke room, a writing room and a sho-wer bath, the latter being fitted with a gadget to prevent any one of the 50 passengers bathing for more than ten minutes. Dr Eckener does not expect during his lifetime to see aeroplanes carrying substantial loads of mails and passengers across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, the old Graf Zeppelin continues its regular crossings. The veteran will personally command the Hindenburg’s early flights. Ten days will be required to inflate the gas bags as the Friedrichshafen gasholder contains only one-tenth of her gas capacity. There is a constant stream of visitors at Gd a head and this is helping to meet the construction costs. : _■