LZ 4

Zeppelin LZ 4
Role Experimental airship
National origin Germany
Designer Ludwig Dürr
First flight 20 June 1908
Status Destroyed in crash
Number built 1

The Zeppelin LZ 4 was a German experimental airship constructed under the direction of Ferdinand von Zeppelin. First flown on 20 June 1908, it made a series of successful flights including a 12-hour flight over Switzerland. It was destroyed when it caught fire after landing to carry out engine repairs during a projected 24-hour endurance trial.[1] This disaster proved fortunate for Zeppelin: donations by the German public raised 6.5 million marks, so guaranteeing the future of his development of airships.

  1. ^ Robinson 1973 p.34