Zeppelin LZ2

Zeppelin LZ2

The Zeppelin LZ 2 was a German experimental airship first flown in 1906. It was the true "prototype" of the Zeppelin airship. The major mistake made by Kübler in the design of the LZ 1 were not repeated: the designer, Ludwig Dürr, who was to head the design of all subsequent Zeppelins, used triangular-section girders instead of Kübler's flat girders, and elevators instead of the lead weight to control pitch. Though the life of the LZ 2 was brief, only two flights, its near sister ship, the LZ 3, first flew 9 October 1906 and it was purchased by the German Army and operated as the Z I until 1913. Before being purchased by the Army, LZ 3 made many flights and carried a number of influential passengers, including the German Crown Prince.