A tribute to the last of the great rigid airships, the LZ 130 Graf Zeppelin (II), launched 80 years ago on September 14, 1938. Along with her sister ship LZ 129 Hindenburg, she was the largest aircraft ever built at 245 meters (803.8 feet). Originally due to be complete by fall 1937, her construction was delayed due to the Hindenburg disaster and the redesign in anticipation for helium usage. Modifications included tractor-type engine cars with a water recovery system and a new passenger deck layout for only 40 passengers. Unfortunately, this was all in vain as the Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes singlehandedly refused to export helium to Germany in fear airships would be used for military purposes. Thus, LZ 130 never carried a commercial passenger. Instead, most of her flights were spy flights conducted under the guise of publicity flights to air shows and postal services. This culminated with an unsuccessful attempt to investigate Britain's Chain Home radar towers in August 1939. She would continue with the "circus flights" until her last flight on August 20, 1939, and was grounded with the start of World War II. In March 1940, the LZ 130 and her older namesake LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin were both dismantled for raw war materials.

Music - Amore by Ryuichi Sakamoto

Most of the footage comes from various newsreels, and a few private home movies available on the internet. A considerable amount of colour photography exists of LZ 130. I've included two pieces of rare colour footage - one filmed by Harold G. Dick in 1938 and another more faded film from 1939. I do not take credit for any of the images shown here. Many of which have been shared among airship discussion groups. Note that the scenes in the video are not meant to be completely in chronological order.