U.S.S. Shenandoah 90th anniversary
Next year marks the 90th anniversary of the Shenandoah's all too short career.
Christening of the ZR-1 U.S.S. Shenandoah
CHEERS,
HENDRICK STOOPS
Goodyear and the ZRCV Airship
The ZRS-class USS Akron and USS Macon, both fabricated by Goodyear Aircraft Co. in Akron, served as part of a massive experiment. Their purpose as proof of concept models for a skeptic Navy was masked by the vast complexity and performance of the two ships. Cross section of the USS Akron, Circa 1931 The ZRS designation stood for 'Lighter Than Air (The 'Z' likely being an homage to Zeppelin) Rigid Scout'. The ship's F9C Sparrowhawk fighters were designed to serve as both protective 'parasite' fighters, dispatched to eliminate threats to the larger mothership, as well as reconnaissance vehicles, their range vastly expanded by the ultra-long distance capabilities of the airship. The next generation airship would represent a great step in naval aviation. The ZRCV designation belied their true role, CV was the navy abbreviation for Carrier Vehicle, as flying aircraft carriers. This advertisement offers a tantalizing glimpse at the ZRCV airship. The ill
My favorite American rigid airship. One of the most majestic dirigibles ever built. That is why I modeled it in 2009.
ReplyDeleteIn my research of this airship, recently, I found out that Zachary Lansdowne, the commander of this ship both share the same birthday as I, December 1st, just different years. He was born in 1888. That made him only 36 years old when he was killed in the storm when the ship broke apart. I'm starting to think that is why I have such an affinity for this ship, we were both born on the same date.
Also one of my favorite airships; mainly because it's one of the few great airships to have a direct connection to my home state (the Shenandoah as you likely know crashed near Ava, Ohio.)
DeleteIf you don't mind, Hendrick, here is a link to my Shenandoah post on my blog.
ReplyDeleteLink; http://jayveejayaresjunk.blogspot.com/2012/05/airship-uss-shenandoah-zr-1-brief.html
Jim.
Not a problem. I had intended to ask you for the link for when I did an "Airship of the Month" on the Shenandoah in August.
DeleteOne minor correction I need you to make, Hendrick. I'm doing the R-34. You have the link post that you did as me doing the much bigger and luxurious R-36. Thought I'd bring that to your attention.---Jim.
ReplyDeleteAargh! I always mix the two up! Will fix.
DeleteHendrick, Great news!, Airship Modeler is back up, but it does not look like it is completely on it's feet yet, but at least it is back from the dead.
ReplyDeleteagain. Airship modeler is back up! Yay.
Jim.