THE FLYING BEAUTY

Today in Berlin: April 2, 1935

On this day, April 2, 1935 the LZ 127 “Graf Zeppelin” - one of the most remarkable airships ever built - arrived in Berlin from Friedrichshafen, reaching the capital at 3 PM. It was not the first visit of the giant (236 metres long and 30.5 metres in diameter) in the city: its long-distance maiden flight in 1928 took it to Berlin as well.

LZ 127 after landing in Berlin-Staaken in 1930, with the Haltemanschaften holding its tow lines.

It almost did not happen: the start of the LZ 127 was planned for 9 AM, but shortly before that a massive storm and rainfall hit the area of the Bodensee (“Lake Constance” for our British readers). Capitan Lehmann, in charge of the airship, decided to dare the elements. After all, he was on board of the largest flying object ever built. That’s what “Graf Zeppelin” undoubtedly was when launched in 1928.