The Hindenburg Wasn't Alone: Here's a Look at 23 Intriguing Airship Adventures

Countdowns
By published

Hindenberg disaster

Hindenberg disaster

(Image credit: Sam Shere/Getty)

In the disaster, 35 people were killed and most of the 62 survivors were badly burned.

Debate continues about the cause of the Hindenburg disaster, but the Age of Airships had come to an end.

Modern airships - Aeroscraft

Modern airships - Aeroscraft

(Image credit: Aeros/REX/Shutterstock)

Some companies today see a modern role for airships as cargo carriers, business commuter craft or personal aerial yachts.

The concept airship by California aviation company Worldwide Aeros Corp would be filled with non-flammable helium and would get most of its lift from the aerodynamic shape of its hull and the thrust from its electric motors.

Airlander 10

Modern airships - Airlander 10

(Image credit: Barcroft Media/Getty)

Another modern airship design, the British-built Airlander 10, made it first test flights in 2016. At 300 feet (92 m) long, the Airlander 10 is currently the world's largest flying craft. It is designed to carry up to 10 tons of cargo, or around 60 passengers.

But the prototype airship broke free of its moorings at Cardington in England in November 2017, triggering an automated system that deflated the helium-filled gasbag.

Tom Metcalfe
Live Science Contributor

Tom Metcalfe is a freelance journalist and regular Live Science contributor who is based in London in the United Kingdom. Tom writes mainly about science, space, archaeology, the Earth and the oceans. He has also written for the BBC, NBC News, National Geographic, Scientific American, Air & Space, and many others.