Fascination Zeppelin NT

The concept of the semi-rigid airship was re-defined with the development of the Zeppelin NT. It is the only kind of airship worldwide that has a rigid internal structure, in contrast to a blimp (non-rigid airship).

The maiden flight of the Zeppelin NT was an September 18, 1997. Apart from its shape, the Zeppelin NT is completely different from earlier airships. The ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG combined experience with state-of-the-art technology to get the Zeppelin airship airborne again.

A maximum of safety and comfort is the most important feature of the design concept of the Zeppelin NT. NT means New Technology. It stands for a high-tech approach that has set new standards.

The rigid structure has a triangular shape and is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. With its very low weight of  1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) it meets the highest demands concerning stability and maneuverability. The lift is provided by non-flammable helium, which is contained in an envelope made of extremely tear-resistant material. Thanks to an innovative propulsion concept employing swiveling propellers and the latest avionics equipment with fly-by-wire flight controls, pilots can conduct maneuvers similar to a helicopter. Furthermore, a holding crew is not necessary during take-off and landing. Even lightning strikes have hardly any influence on the flight characteristics – an uncompromising safety concept, which is part of every technical detail.