Looking back over the development of the Zeppelins ([Plate 15]), one fails to find such remarkable and quick advance in any other medium of transportation. The history of engineering does not record in any other science progress comparable to that of the relatively new science of lighter-than-air as represented by the Zeppelins during the four years of war.
Seventy Percent Speed Increase
Their speed had increased from 46.6 to 87.5 miles per hour (75 to 130 kilometers per hour) approximately 70%. Their horsepower averaged 2,000. To carry useful loads of 44 tons their hydrogen capacity had been raised from 706,200 to 2,189,220 cubic feet (20,000 to 62,000 cubic meters). Other commercial ships were built embodying the improvements developed during the war. A description of them will be found in [Chapter III].
Refinement in Design
This progress was made possible only by continuous experiments. Ideas and suggestions were adopted regardless of expense or chance of failure. In this way the Zeppelins had the advantage of every conceivable refinement in design. Their hulls, motor gondolas, in fact, all braces and wires were streamlined so as to offer the least air resistance.
Zeppelin-Werke Staaken “Giant” All Metal Monoplane.
Which carried eighteen passengers in a luxurious cabin at a speed of 145 miles per hour. Power plant consists of 4-260 horsepower Maybach Motors totaling more than 1000 H. P.
Zeppelin-Dornier “Dragon Fly” All Metal Flying Boat, 1921.
Carries pilot and two passengers with 60 horsepower motor at a speed of 80 miles per hour and a gasoline consumption of only four gallons per hour.