Hindenburg 2016 page 5 by ric Gustafson
On March 4 1936, LZ 129 came out of it's Friedrichshafen building shed. At 803.8 feet in length and 135.1 feet in diameter, the Hindenburg was the largest aircraft that had ever flown. It was designed for helium use but was using hydrogen. The Helium Control Act of 1927 prohibited the export of the gas. The United States had a monopoly on helium gas. So hydrogen was powering it's sixteen gas cells. Gutters similar to the Graf Zeppelin were installed to collect rainwater for ballast. One new feature was a gelatin solution that was being used to line the gas bags.
What made the Hindenburg different from all other previous dirigibles was it's passenger accommodations. On two decks inside the hull, fifty people could live in ease. There were twenty five two berth passenger cabins that occupied the center of A deck. What separated the Hindenburg from other airships, were the spacious public rooms. Along both sides of A deck was a spacious promenade which gave a panoramic view of below. Along the promenade was an attractive dining room. The tables were draped in white napery. There was silver and china made especially for the Hindenburg. There was a starboard size lounge where passengers could relax with a drink. Next door was a spacious reading and writing room. On B deck below was a smoking room. An air lock door kept hydrogen from entering. B deck included a lavatory, kitchen, officer and crew quarters and a shower. This was a ship of dreams.
research help: ' Hindenburg an illustrated history' by Rick Archbold
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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