Hindenburg's Construction

Hindenburg framework under construction

 Construction of Hindenburg began in Friedrichshafen, Germany in 1931 and was completed in 1936.

Total Length:  803.8 feet

Diameter at Largest Point:  135.1 feet

Total Gas Capacity:  7,062,100 cubic feet

The framework was made of an alloy of aluminum and copper with traces of magnesium, manganese, iron, and silicon.  This alloy is commonly known as duralumin.

Hindenburg interior with partially-inflated gas cell

 Each of the 16 gas cells was coated with a gelatin solution to insure against permeability of the hydrogen lifting gas.  Here, a partially-inflated gas cell has begun to rise within the framework.

Hindenburg control car under construction

 The control car was divided into 3 areas:  control room and bridge, navigation room, and observation area.  In addition to rudder and elevator controls, the control room contained instruments such as the altimeter, inclinometer and gas-cell-pressure monitor along with toggles to release hydrogen gas and water ballast.  The navigation room contained two gyro compass repeaters, a radio compass and the telephone switchboard.  The radio room was located above the control car and was accessed via a ladder in the observation area at the rear of the control car.   An alternate control area was located in the interior of the lower vertical fin.

Interior of Hindenburg's engine car

 Hindenburg was powered by four 16-cylinder diesel engines, two per side in a staggered arrangement.  Each engine developed 1300 HP for five minutes at takeoff, and 850 HP for cruising.  This view is of the port-side forward engine.  The rear port-side engine car is seen at the left of the photo.

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continue to Hindenburg's Interior


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