LZ 130 Graf Zeppelin

Graf Zeppelin
Graf Zeppelin at Lowenthal Hangar in 1938
General information
Other name(s)Graf Zeppelin II, Graf Zeppelin 2
TypeHindenburg-class airship
ManufacturerLuftschiffbau Zeppelin
Construction numberLZ 130
RegistrationD-LZ130
Flights30
History
Manufactured1936–38
First flight14 September 1938
In service1938–1940
Preserved atZeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

The Graf Zeppelin (Deutsches Luftschiff Zeppelin #130; Registration: D-LZ 130) was the last of the German rigid airships built by Zeppelin Luftschiffbau during the period between the World Wars, the second and final ship of the Hindenburg class, and the second zeppelin to carry the name "Graf Zeppelin" (after the LZ 127) and thus often referred to as Graf Zeppelin II. Due to the United States refusal to export helium to Germany, the Graf Zeppelin II was inflated with hydrogen and therefore never carried commercial passengers. It made 30 flights over 11 months in 1938–39, many being propaganda publicity flights; but staff of the Reich Air Ministry were aboard to conduct radio surveillance and measurements. The airship was also the only german airship preserved.