Graphic of the first ascent of LZ1 on July 2, 1900 courtesy of Wikipedia
For all of us Caledonian Steampunk enthusiasts
From Wikipedia:
The first Zeppelin flight occurred on July 2, 1900 over the Bodensee. It lasted only 18 minutes before LZ1 was forced to land on the lake after the winding mechanism for the balancing weight broke. Upon repair, the technology proved its potential in subsequent flights (the second and third flights were in October 1900 and October 24, 1900 respectively), beating the 6 m/s velocity record of the French airship La France by 3 m/s. This performance, however, was unable to convince possible investors. With his financial resources depleted, Count von Zeppelin was forced to disassemble the prototype, sell it for scrap, and close the company in 1901.[5]
It was largely due to support by aviation enthusiasts that von Zeppelin's idea got a second (and third) chance and could be developed into a reasonably reliable technology. Only then could the airships be profitably used for civilian aviation and sold to the military.
Thanks, Mr. Zepplin!
Now may I suggest that we all take out our favorite lighter than air ships for a little spin today? Yes! I think that is a grand idea! See you up there.
5 comments:
Excellent blog!
Have you a nice keyring?
Please, send me its photo
and the link of your blog,
I'll publish in my blog!
Thank you Bruna
My email: nicekeyrings@gmail.com
Drat. I had no idea! And you'd think this would be at least a minor holiday in the Independent State, or New Babbage.
We should have arranged a symposium in which the fans of lighter-than-air ships debate the proponents of heavier-than-air craft.
I'm inspired by Robur le Conquérant and his, er, persuasion of the Weldon Institute, as Mr Verne recently wrote about.
Any takers, on either side of the argument? Which machine will reign supreme?
Regards, &c.
I think I will need to dust off my zeppelin and join you, Lady Eva!
Any takers, on either side of the argument? Which machine will reign supreme?
I think a nice keyring will decide the outcome, Miss Kate.
Who knew that the simple leather strap and brass ring holding the ancient keys of my forebears might be essential to such matters. It is really too bad that Phil Evans did not have this tool with him when Robur compelled him to board the Albatross.
I have not done enough research to know on which side of the argument I would fall. I believe I shall need to do a little more research.
Now to find someone with whom I might test and study flying machines of all types - lighter and heavier than air.
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