Aerodynamic shape, engines, gears and propellers

The streamlined, droplet-shaped form of the airship provides very little air resistance, with hardly any vortex. This means that the engine and propeller can move the airship forwards in an optional way. The power of the engine is transmitted to the propeller by gears and converted into forward motion. Zeppelin airships were first driven by petrol engines.  Diesel engines were used from LZ 129 Hindenburg  onwards. The propellers developed from small, quickly rotating metal ones to wooden propellers with a large diameter and a low number of revolutions. These were more efficient.