What if Airships/Zeppelins never fell out of use?
Following the downing of the Hindenburg in 1937, was a long list of several infamous crash landings and downing of airships. Previously including the R101 for Britain, US Roma, among others. The rise of commercial aircraft following the second World War also contributed to the fall of the airship. What could have been different if say, airships never fell out of use? Rather then end production of them, the allies, particularly the US, instead use them more for recon or scouting whilst keeping them close to friendly lines? Or, more safely, use to help as a way to Promote war bonds to the general public?
The basic idea behind this ask is, what if airships/Zeppelins never fell out of use? And continued to be seen as a viable form of transportation and getting around? Say, despite being slower then the propeller planes and jets that would succeed them in reality, airships offer more comfort through their much larger and more private spaces, dining and other amenities that people could enjoy. How would airships develop in the next several years and what new technologies would be introduced into their design to possibly make them more efficient?
Following the downing of the Hindenburg in 1937, was a long list of several infamous crash landings and downing of airships. Previously including the R101 for Britain, US Roma, among others. The rise of commercial aircraft following the second World War also contributed to the fall of the airship. What could have been different if say, airships never fell out of use? Rather then end production of them, the allies, particularly the US, instead use them more for recon or scouting whilst keeping them close to friendly lines? Or, more safely, use to help as a way to Promote war bonds to the general public?
The basic idea behind this ask is, what if airships/Zeppelins never fell out of use? And continued to be seen as a viable form of transportation and getting around? Say, despite being slower then the propeller planes and jets that would succeed them in reality, airships offer more comfort through their much larger and more private spaces, dining and other amenities that people could enjoy. How would airships develop in the next several years and what new technologies would be introduced into their design to possibly make them more efficient?