bic feet
(15,000 cubic meters) of hydrogen. This increased size gave it a
carrying capacity of 37,478 pounds (17,000 kilograms) which, with
increased motor power--each engine estimated at approximately 100
horsepower--made it a practical weight carrying and speedy craft. Count
Zeppelin with an eye to the passenger and military possibilities had
also built into the forward part of the hull, on top, an observation
platform. It marked the beginning of refinement in design and
conveniences which has been continued unceasingly. Here was an airship
which Zeppelin felt worthy of demonstrating to the public at large.

Zeppelins for Commerce and War

His great flight on July 1st, 1908, was as successful as it surely was
daring for he took the new rigid up over the Swiss Alps to Lucerne and
back again.

[PLATE 9: Zeppelin "L-13" Naval Airship Leaving Friedrichshafen
for Its North Sea Base, 1915.

Zeppelin "L-30" Naval Airship, 1916.]

The world was astounded, particularly his contemporaries, a majority of
whom unhesitatingly flooded the grand old man with enthusiastic
messages of congratulation. Just as he had worked so devotedly to
bringing forth something in which the German people could have faith, so
was his faith justified. The public was wildly enthusiastic. Everybody
was proud of the accomplishment on German soil and joyfully acclaimed
Zeppelin whose lone ideas were now the ideas of a nation. His triumph
was not only official but national. His vision was the vision of the
people and it was an accomplished fact.

Rarely had there been such national interest shown in any sort of
venture as that represented by the vast throngs that gathered from all
parts of the empire to witness the start of the official duration flight
on August 4th that year. Zeppelin planned to sail the ship down the
Rhine Valley toward Mainz and return. He got away on schedule and
disappeared in the soft haze, all Germany receiving reports of his
progress as the ship appeared for a few moments over a village and then
out of sight once more.

But disaster awaited the gallant ship. On the return flight motor
trouble caused a forced landing at Echterdingen near Stuttgart. A storm
blew up and the airship was torn from its moorings. As it was being
whirled into the air, the entire structure was suddenly enveloped in a
solid flame and Zeppelin a few moments later was gazing at the twisted
skeleton of his latest efforts.

The Zeppelin