arried at least 6,614 pounds
(3,000 kilograms) to a height of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters). The L-3 was
the only naval airship Germany possessed at the beginning of the war.

[PLATE 16: Zeppelin Airship Bldg. Co.'s Plant, Friedrichshafen,
1910.

Showing First Double Shed (now used for Hull Frame Work only)
Machine Shops, Foundries and Office Buildings.

Zeppelin Airship Bldg. Co.'s Plant, Friedrichshafen, 1919.

Note the two large single sheds. The largest shed is 115 feet
high, 151 feet wide and 787 feet long.]

Following the ideas of the inventor both the German army and navy used
the Zeppelins for strategical reconnoissance in the early days of the
conflict. The Zeppelins flew the western and eastern boundaries of the
empire seeking information concerning the movements of the Allied
armies. This proved dangerous, however, for the airships then could not
rise to high altitudes; and consequently were exposed to enemy fire from
the batteries below and airplanes above.

The L-3 operated with the fleet in the North Sea and her activities
served to show the value of supplying as quickly as possible Zeppelins
able to fly high and with greater speed than ever. It was also found
advisable to cease flying over land by day. The Zeppelins became the
night cruisers of the air, and were assigned the task of destroying
railway junctions, bridges and ammunition dumps along the enemy line of
advance.

The Navy soon acquired the Zeppelins L-4, L-5, L-6 and L-7, which joined
the L-3 in the North Sea operations where they became indispensable as
the eyes of the fleet and a continual menace to the enemy attempting to
establish himself on the German Coast. All these airships were
duplicates of the L-3 except in minor details. Their hulls long and
cylindrical, of uniform cross sections, that is excepting the ends each
part was the same size as the others. This was the first attempt at
standard construction and it permitted quantity production more
economical and quicker for they were not compelled to design and
fabricate each section as it was needed. The plant at Friedrichshafen
had been expanded and was working to capacity. Every effort was made to
save time. The result was remarkable for they were able to produce one
Zeppelin every six weeks. Late in 1914 the Zeppelin Z-11 was delivered
to the army and the L-8 to the navy.

The Growth of the Zeppelins

Larger sheds (Plates 8 and 9) were completed at