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Airship Collection (#4)

"Defenders of the Empire: Aerial Pioneers and Majestic Airships" In the early 20th century, the British Army, Navy, and Airforce united as defenders of the empire

Background imageAirship Collection: Tissandier landing his balloon

Tissandier landing his balloon
3732746 Tissandier landing his balloon; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Tissandier landing his balloon. Gaston Tissandier (1843-1899) a French chemist, Meteorologist, aviator and editor

Background imageAirship Collection: Henry Bell's design for an aerial machine

Henry Bell's design for an aerial machine
3732598 Henry Bell's design for an aerial machine; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Henry Bell's design for an aerial machine, which had a rudder and two screw propellers)

Background imageAirship Collection: Dr Woelfert's airship

Dr Woelfert's airship
3732658 Dr Woelfert's airship; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Dr. Woelfert's airship. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageAirship Collection: Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aviation pioneer. Here in his airship (dirigible) No

Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aviation pioneer. Here in his airship (dirigible) No
530542 Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aviation pioneer. Here in his airship (dirigible) No. 6 descending at the Aero Park, Paris, after winning the Deutsch prize, 19 October 1901

Background imageAirship Collection: Aerial photograph of a hydrogen balloon marked Graf von Wedel photographed on glass... 1920 (photo)

Aerial photograph of a hydrogen balloon marked Graf von Wedel photographed on glass... 1920 (photo)
8772208 Aerial photograph of a hydrogen balloon marked Graf von Wedel photographed on glass... 1920 (photo) by Traube, Arthur (1878-1948); George Eastman House, Rochester, NY

Background imageAirship Collection: Reproduction of a balloon of the brothers Joseph Michel MONTGOLFIER (1740-1810)

Reproduction of a balloon of the brothers Joseph Michel MONTGOLFIER (1740-1810)
AIS5362995 Reproduction of a balloon of the brothers Joseph Michel MONTGOLFIER (1740-1810) and Jacques Etienne de MONTGOLFIER (1745-1799), 18th century (paper and linen); Deutsches Museum, Munich

Background imageAirship Collection: Rain in may, 1902 (illustration)

Rain in may, 1902 (illustration)
8698343 Rain in may, 1902 (illustration) by Monnier, Marius (1871-1938); (add.info.: Science. Meteorology. Rains in may. Caricature by Monnier in: L'actualite, France, May)

Background imageAirship Collection: The aftermath of Gaston Tissandier's fatal balloon accident

The aftermath of Gaston Tissandier's fatal balloon accident
3732779 The aftermath of Gaston Tissandier's fatal balloon accident; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the aftermath of Gaston Tissandier's fatal balloon accident)

Background imageAirship Collection: David Schwarz's aluminium airship

David Schwarz's aluminium airship
3732591 David Schwarz's aluminium airship; (add.info.: Engraving depicting David Schwarz's aluminium airship, the first metal airship)

Background imageAirship Collection: Henri Giffard's (1825-1882) steerable airship of 1852, the first dirigible. Engraving of 1903

Henri Giffard's (1825-1882) steerable airship of 1852, the first dirigible. Engraving of 1903
530517 Henri Giffard's (1825-1882) steerable airship of 1852, the first dirigible. Engraving of 1903. ; Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageAirship Collection: Louis Bleriot crosses the English Channel, 1909 (illustration)

Louis Bleriot crosses the English Channel, 1909 (illustration)
2093181 Louis Bleriot crosses the English Channel, 1909 (illustration); (add.info.: Coll. Part. Transport. Aviation. The french aviator Louis Bleriot cross the Channel between France and England)

Background imageAirship Collection: Airship participating in British Army manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain, 1910 (b/w photo)

Airship participating in British Army manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain, 1910 (b/w photo)
8626526 Airship participating in British Army manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain, 1910 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageAirship Collection: Alberto Santos-Dumont, Brazilian aviator (b/w photo)

Alberto Santos-Dumont, Brazilian aviator (b/w photo)
8664062 Alberto Santos-Dumont, Brazilian aviator (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932), Brazilian aviator

Background imageAirship Collection: The 'Minerve', fantasy airship by Etienne-Gaspard Robert aka Etienne Robertson, 1803, engraving

The "Minerve", fantasy airship by Etienne-Gaspard Robert aka Etienne Robertson, 1803, engraving
1730437 The "Minerve", fantasy airship by Etienne-Gaspard Robert aka Etienne Robertson, 1803, engraving; (add.info.: The "Minerve")

Background imageAirship Collection: Alberto Santos-Dumont in his airship in paris, 1901 (chromo)

Alberto Santos-Dumont in his airship in paris, 1901 (chromo)
530527 Alberto Santos-Dumont in his airship in paris, 1901 (chromo); (add.info.: Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) Brazilian aviation pioneer

Background imageAirship Collection: La Minerve (Minerva) cartoon of French air vessel, early 19th century (engraving)

La Minerve (Minerva) cartoon of French air vessel, early 19th century (engraving)
XTD75524 La Minerve (Minerva) cartoon of French air vessel, early 19th century (engraving); Private Collection; out of copyright

Background imageAirship Collection: Wrecked Zeppelin from plane in Eng. [i.e. England], 1916. Creator: Bain News Service

Wrecked Zeppelin from plane in Eng. [i.e. England], 1916. Creator: Bain News Service
Wrecked Zeppelin from plane in Eng. [i.e. England], 1916. The remains of a L33 German zeppelin which crashed on Sept. 24, 1916 in Little Wigborough, Essex

Background imageAirship Collection: Ascension équestre de Jean-Eugène Poitevin to Champ de Mars, the 7th of July 1850, 1850

Ascension équestre de Jean-Eugène Poitevin to Champ de Mars, the 7th of July 1850, 1850. Creator: Unknown artist
Ascension equestre de Jean-Eugene Poitevin to Champ de Mars, the 7th of July 1850, 1850. Private Collection

Background imageAirship Collection: Ascent of M. Godard's Montgolfier balloon from Cremorne Gardens, 1864. Creator: Unknown

Ascent of M. Godard's Montgolfier balloon from Cremorne Gardens, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Ascent of M. Godard's Montgolfier balloon from Cremorne Gardens, [London], 1864. The...heated-air, balloon, with which M

Background imageAirship Collection: Wrecked zep. [zeppelin] in France, 1917. Creator: Bain News Service

Wrecked zep. [zeppelin] in France, 1917. Creator: Bain News Service
Wrecked zep. [zeppelin] in France, 1917. A German zeppelin brought down by the French forces on Oct. 21, 1917 during World War I

Background imageAirship Collection: French Cavalry & Dirigible DUPUY DE LOME, between c1914 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service

French Cavalry & Dirigible DUPUY DE LOME, between c1914 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
French Cavalry & Dirigible DUPUY DE LOME, between c1914 and c1915. French soldiers on horseback in street, with an airship flying in air behind them during World War I

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 16: Goodyear blimp flies over Henri Pescarolo / Gerard Larrousse, Equipe Gitanes, Matra-Simca MS670C during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: The Goodyear blimp landing in the airfield close to the circuit during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 16: The Goodyear blimp flies over the crowd during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 16, 1974 in Circuit de la Sarthe

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1974: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 16: Goodyear blimp flies over Jean-Pierre Jaussaud / Bob Wollek / Jose Dolhem, Equipe Gitanes

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Mans 1975: 24 Hours of Le Mans
CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Aerial images of the circuit photographed from the Goodyear blimp airship during the race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15

Background imageAirship Collection: The German Air Fleet; Command post in a forward platform, during a raid... 1917. Creator: Unknown

The German Air Fleet; Command post in a forward platform, during a raid... 1917. Creator: Unknown
The German Air Fleet; Command post in a forward platform, during a raid. The dimensions of the platform were manifestly exaggerated, 1917

Background imageAirship Collection: The German Air Fleet; On board a zeppelin: in the rear, under attack by Allied planes... 1917

The German Air Fleet; On board a zeppelin: in the rear, under attack by Allied planes... 1917. Creator: Unknown
The German Air Fleet; On board a zeppelin: in the rear, under attack by Allied planes, 1917. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume 2" [L'Illustration, Paris, 1924]

Background imageAirship Collection: Canonne, pius torpille en mer; Les survivants de l'equipage du L-7 nagent vers le sous-marin

Canonne, pius torpille en mer; Les survivants de l'equipage du L-7 nagent vers le sous-marin anglai Creator
Canonne, pius torpille en mer; Les survivants de l'equipage du L-7 nagent vers le sous-marin anglais qui s'efforce de les recueillir, 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: Echoue sur la cote Norvegienne; En derivant, le zeppelin est venu a la cote; dans la chute

Echoue sur la cote Norvegienne; En derivant, le zeppelin est venu a la cote; dans la chute, sa nace Creator: Unknown
Echoue sur la cote Norvegienne; En derivant, le zeppelin est venu a la cote; dans la chute, sa nacelle avant s'est rompue en deux troncons, 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: Tombe a la Mer; L'equipage du zeppelin L-15, atteint d'un obus a l'arriere

Tombe a la Mer; L'equipage du zeppelin L-15, atteint d'un obus a l'arriere, au cours d'un raid sur l'Est de l'Angleterre et tombe dans l'estuaire de la Tamise, 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La fin de la chute: la carcasse est silhouettee par la masse des

Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La fin de la chute: la carcasse est silhouettee par la masse des flam Creator: Unknown
Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La fin de la chute: la carcasse est silhouettee par la masse des flammes; des lambeaux d'enveloppe en feu parsement le sillage, 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La chute: le zeppelin tombe comme une torche surmontee d'une

Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La chute: le zeppelin tombe comme une torche surmontee d'une e'paisse Creator
Un Zeppelin abattu a Revigny; La chute: le zeppelin tombe comme une torche surmontee d'une e'paisse fumee noire, encadree de deux trajectoires d'obus, 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: The Launch of Blanchard's Balloon at The Hague in 1785, 1785. Creator: G. Carbentus

The Launch of Blanchard's Balloon at The Hague in 1785, 1785. Creator: G. Carbentus
The Launch of Blanchard's Balloon at The Hague in 1785, 1785. The air balloon of the Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard in the palace garden at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague on July 12, 1785

Background imageAirship Collection: Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; la nacelle-fuselage portant une... 1918

Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; la nacelle-fuselage portant une... 1918
Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; la nacelle-fuselage portant une bombe a la partie inferieure, 1918. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919

Background imageAirship Collection: Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; un dirigeable de marine quittant le...1918

Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; un dirigeable de marine quittant le...1918
Combat Aerien; Parmi les forces alliees aerienes; un dirigeable de marine quittant le terrain de manoeuvres, 1918. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919, Volume 2" [L'Illustration

Background imageAirship Collection: Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Debris du L31 accroches a un chene... 1916

Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Debris du L31 accroches a un chene... 1916. Creator: Unknown
Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Debris du L31 accroches a un chene, pres de Potters Bar, ou il s'effondra dans la nuit du 1er au 2 octobre. 1916

Background imageAirship Collection: Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Le carcasse du L33, avarie et... 1916

Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Le carcasse du L33, avarie et... 1916. Creator: Unknown
Les deux derniers zeppelins abattus par les Anglais; Le carcasse du L33, avarie et contraint d'atterrir le 23 septembre




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"Defenders of the Empire: Aerial Pioneers and Majestic Airships" In the early 20th century, the British Army, Navy, and Airforce united as defenders of the empire. Among their arsenal were majestic airships that soared through the skies with grace and power. The Airship Guarantee Co. 's R-100 stood tall as a symbol of engineering marvel, while the imposing Airship R101 G-FaW moored outside hangars showcased Britain's prowess in aviation. Step back in time to witness these magnificent vessels in action. Picture yourself aboard the Galley, witnessing breathtaking views from above like those on Zeppelin LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin did in 1933. Marvel at the sight R32 parked elegantly on land or gaze upon R101 airship majestically resting on its mooring mast. Not limited to British shores alone, these airborne wonders ventured across continents. From Akron, Ohio in USA came warm greetings as they welcomed visitors to witness their own aerial achievements. Witness Graf Zeppelin airship gracefully soaring through clouds during its flight or Santos-Dumont airship No6 bidding farewell to Aero Club of Saint? with dreams reaching new heights. However, not all encounters were peaceful; history reminds us of World War I when zeppelins illuminated by searchlights hovered ominously over UK skies. These haunting images serve as a reminder of both fear and resilience during wartime. Let us not forget other remarkable creations such as Airship R9 or even an extraordinary creation built for US Navy at Cardington - none less than Airship R38. Each one contributing to humanity's quest for exploration and innovation. These captivating glimpses into our past remind us that once upon a time, giant airships ruled our skies – symbols of human ingenuity defying gravity itself.