U.S.S. Akron part 2

Silent film showing the construction, christening, maiden flight, and operation of the U.S.S. Akron (ZRS-4), a helium-filled U.S. Navy rigid airship that operated between September 1931 and April 1933. This film was reformatted and digitized from the original 35mm nitrate film thanks to a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation.

[@paulbfields8284]

I grew up nearby. I cannot imagine how much of the sky was taken up by the presence of this spectacular mechanical achievement. Golden of days of Akron Ohio.... home.

[@7775Kevin]

Great film. This was a fascinating experiment that never had a chance to prove itself. Sad these ships had to vanish from existence.

[@valdezapg]

It's really amazing to see footage like this!

[@toastecmo]

Stoic bunch of Navy guys. Love it!

[@Rickster5176]

Ahh, I love that new dirigible smell.

[@kc4cvh]

2:32 The engineers thought the tilting propellers could prevent the craft from rising in an updraft to such a altitude that it bursts, like USS Shenandoah or hitting the ground, as R.101 did a year earlier. Unfortunately this power plant, or anything that might be imagined, could produce only a small fraction of the thrust needed to counteract the effect of perpendicular air currents on the immense hull and USS Akron crashed into the sea, with but three survivors.

[@machia0705]

The propeller shafts and transmissions were built by Allison and the German Maybach engines were to be eventually replaced by a new engine , then being built by Allison , the V1710 . This engine would be found in WW2 fighter aircraft years later .