How this aircraft almost disappeared completely

When was the last time you saw a blimp or a zeppelin? Now that we think about it, are they even around anymore?
Interesting Engineering

Airships, including zeppelins and blimps, have a fascinating history. Invented just before World War I, they were used in the war with limited success. After the war, they were repurposed for commercial travel and became a leisurely way of transportation for a couple of decades. However, they eventually lost their appeal due to safety concerns and their slow speed compared to airplanes.

In the 20s and 30s, the public opinion of airships was less than favorable due to their vulnerability to strong winds and several disastrous accidents. The most infamous of these accidents was the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, which saw the airship blown up, likely due to faulty wiring.

Despite their decline in popularity, blimps still exist today in various forms for broadcasting, advertising, and observation. Currently, there are only 25 blimps in the world, and their future use remains uncertain.

While airships may no longer be a viable form of transportation or warfare, they continue to hold a unique place in history. Their story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of innovation and the importance of safety in any technological advancement.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of airships, their impact on society, and their eventual demise, this article provides a fascinating glimpse into this once-revolutionary mode of transportation.