Materials and lightweight construction of airships

For the construction of a new airship the power and size, as well as the most favourable shape, were determined. This formed the basis for the design and construction. The various individual parts of the framework were pre-fabricated and then riveted together. Girders were used as longitudinal supports as well as integral parts of the main and auxiliary ring-shaped frames. All of these structural components together comprised the skeletal framework of the airship. It had to be as light as possible while simultaneously providing sufficient strength. For this reason aluminium alloys were the preferred material. It was the task of the envelope makers to cut out and saw lengths of cloth, which could be tied to the framework through eyelets on strips sewn to the ends of the fabric panels.