Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin

	FERDINAND GRAF von ZEPPELIN Pioneer Airship Designer
	Born Kronstanz, Baden, Germany, 8 July 1828. During 1860-70 he studied the use of balloons in Europe and the United States and in 1887 published his plan for a complete civil transportation system based on lighter than air ships. Retiring from a distinguished 44 year military career in 1891 he committed his entire personal resources to the design and construction of airships. On 2 July 1900 his first great airship began its maiden flight to launch a long line of successful craft known as Zeppelins. Their qualities of streamline shape, rigid framework, adequate manuevering power, made them successful when aircraft were yet a dream. His quest for light metal led directly to the invention of duraluminum which later made metal airframes practical. Died March 8, 1917.
	Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1975