Development of Adequate Hangars
They were provided with electric lights, water supply and docking rails, which extended from either end. Special piping conveyed the hydrogen from plant to shed. All sheds had railway connections, and were equipped with waiting rooms for passengers and crews, as well as workshops and accessory buildings. The airship harbors built by the “DELAG” and Zeppelin had particularly extensive workshops, for besides the regular maintenance work, they produced many new parts and instruments for navigating Zeppelins.
PLATE 48
The “DELAG” Passenger Zeppelin “Bodensee.”
Power gondola (side) containing one 260 horsepower Maybach motor. Note ladder communicating with interior of ship.
The “DELAG” Passenger Zeppelin “Bodensee.”
Power gondola (rear) containing two 260 horsepower Maybach motors. Note ladder communicating with interior of ship.
At every shed there was a meteorological station fitted with barometers, barographs, thermographs, and a theodolite for measurement of the wind velocity in the upper atmosphere. Weather observations were made each morning and telegraphed to all other stations. This enabled all Zeppelin pilots to be thoroughly informed before setting out on a flight. The special data supplied by the Zeppelin stations was more adequate for airship requirements than that from the Government official weather bureau. Wireless equipment was installed late in 1913.