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.
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