Re: The joy of actual numbers, was Democracy

On Sat, 2 Nov 2024, rbowman wrote:

On Fri, 1 Nov 2024 22:34:25 +0100, D wrote:
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In summary, the US would have gotten there eventually, but as per my
original statement, relying on Mr. von Braun no doubt accelerated the
research.

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Yeah eventually. Sometimes it helps to get the information from the
horse's mouth.
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During WWI Germany used Zepplins to attack Britain. They were susceptible
to ground fire or being shot down by British aircraft. The answer was a
new design called Height Climbers that could operate over 20,000 feet,
well above the ceiling of the aircraft of the day. There were problems
with the engines and breathing apparatus but overall they were successful.
Design decisions had been made to allow them to operate at that altitude.
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The Allies managed to capture L-49 and the US made several attempts based
on the L-49. The first was the ZR-1 Shenandoah. It worked for a while
before breaking up in a squall.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Shenandoah_(ZR-1)
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ZR-2 started as a British R.38 class. It didn't end well.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R38-class_airship
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ZR-3, the USS Los Angeles, managed to retire in on piece.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Los_Angeles_(ZR-3)
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ZRS-4, the USS Akron, was destroyed in a thunderstorm.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Akron
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ZRS-5, the USS Macon, broike up off Point Sur.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Macon_(ZRS-5)
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There wasn't a ZRS-6. The Navy had had enough.
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Many think most of the problems came from copying an ultralight design
that wasn't meant to be durable. Even when they brought in German
engineers they may have not been very forthcoming considering the screwing
Germany got a Versailles.
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fwiw, Howard Hughes' 'Hell's Angels' features a Zepplin and aircraft duel.
At one point when the Zepplin captain is trying to gain altitude and has
jettisoned everything the crew lines up and jumps for the good of the
Fatherland.
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No CGI in that movie, just a few dead stunt pilots and a lot of crashed
planes.

Fascinating!
One of my visions is to start an airline company based on modern zeppelins. Instead of sitting in a small metal/carbon fibre tube for 8 to 14 hours, I'd like the experience of crossing the ocean to be more like a cruise ship. It might take 1 to 3 days or so, but you could walk around, and enjoy a Michelin star restaurant on board.
I just need to reach Branson or Musk and the thing should be done! ;)
After that, the space elevator!