Her hull framework in
section formed a regular polygon of seventeen sides, and was
built up of triangular aluminium girders. The gasbags were
eighteen in number. This ship was fitted with three 170
horse-power Maybach engines, which were disposed as follows--one
in the forward car, driving two two-bladed propellers; two in the
after car, each driving a single four-bladed propeller. For
steering purposes she had six vertical and eight horizontal
planes. The total lift was 27 tons, with a disposable lift of 7
tons. Her speed was about 50 miles per hour, and she could carry
fuel for about 48 hours. Her normal crew consisted of fourteen
persons, including officers.
It will probably be remembered that the military Zeppelin Z III
was compelled to make a forced landing in France. This ship was
of similar construction to L 1, but of smaller volume, her
capacity being 620,000 cubic feet. A trial flight was being
carried out, and while above the clouds the crew lost their
bearings. Descending they saw some French troops and rose again
immediately. After flying for four hours they thought they must
be safely over the frontier and, running short of petrol, made a
landing--not knowing that they were still in France until too
late. The airship was taken over by the French authorities.
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