On this day in 1928, the Graf Zeppelin completed its first transatlantic flight, landing in Lakehurst, New Jersey after leaving Friedrichshafen, Germany, and stopping briefly in Spain.
Commanded by Dr Hugo Eckener, the giant airship took about 111 hours to cross the Atlantic- over four days in the air- covering roughly 9,000 kilometres with 40 crew and 20 passengers on board.
The Graf Zeppelin was one of the most impressive engineering feats of its time. Measuring 236 metres long, it was filled with hydrogen and powered by five Maybach engines. Inside, passengers could enjoy cabins, a dining room, a lounge, and even large windows, a level of comfort unheard of in early aviation.
Its successful arrival in the US marked the beginning of the airship’s legendary career. The Graf Zeppelin went on to fly more than a million miles, including a round-the-world journey in 1929, proving that long-distance air travel was possible long before modern aeroplanes took over.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Aviation history was made, twice
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