How is the Zeppelin NT different than “historic Zeppelins,” like the Hindenburg?
The external shape is similar to historic Zeppelins like the Hindenburg, but the technology of the Zeppelin NT is of course, much more advanced (thus the “NT” – meaning New Technology). The old Zeppelins had completely rigid hulls with the lighter-than-air gas contained in separate giant gas bags inside the hull. Today’s Zeppelin NT has a semi-rigid structural framework with three longitudinal beams (longerons) to hold the engines, tail and gondola. The fabric skin of the ship contains the lifting gas. Separate bags called Balonets are then suspended within this framework, filled with regular air that expand and contact to help the airship maintain its shape. The old Zeppelins also carried passengers differently. Historic Zeppelins were much larger and were designed to accommodate passengers in many areas of the airship. The giant passenger Zeppelins of pre- 1940 had rooms built within the hull, and passengers could travel, dine and sleep within the massive structure. Passengers aboard
