Posted on 10/06/2006 4:56:27 AM PDT by Republicain
The military zeppelin USS Macon was meant to be a floating American aircraft carrier over the Pacific Ocean -- but it crashed, sank and has been lying on the ocean floor for more than 70 years. Now scientists have discovered and documented the unique wreck off the coast of California.
(Excerpt) Read more at spiegel.de ...
That thing was awesome. It could launch and recover aircraft. Its giant hanger still exists.
It could launch and recover aircraft
I recall seeing old movies of this. If memory serves I don't believe any plane were ever recovered.
(as always I reserve my God given right to be wrong)
Yes, and if it hadn't crashed it might have provided an afternoon's entertainment to the Japanese Navy.
Ooh, check out the Maybach DS 8 Zeppelin limo -- photo 10 of 11 in the "roots of aviation" gallery.
Imagine the difficulty for a pilot trying to find their way back to the airship in inclement weather and radio silence.
Side note: Best name for a Hockey team EVER!
"I recall seeing old movies of this. If memory serves I don't believe any plane were ever recovered. "
I've seen film of planes being recovered. Looked a little tricky, but so is landing on a carrier.
It would have been fine for search and rescue work in coastal waters and areas under military control. It would also be able to rescue those who had to ditch for lack of fuel.
Absolutely correct. It was a creature of the 30s, and would have been completely out of place in WWII. I still admire the machine, though.
Cool!
I was homeported out of Moffett Field for 4 years.
Gave many kids & friends tours of hanger one Back when I was in the Navy
I went there as a kid. Sadly, I just learned from the museum Web site that the hangar is off-limits to the public due to chemical contamination, and is tentatively slated for demolition. An alternative bill to clean up and restore the hangar is in the works.
Valin,
There are a bunch of still shots located here of recovery. Notice in many cases the Sparrowhawks had their landing gear removed after proving the concept was feasible. I've seen movies as well of this, but didn't find any links on the web. Enjoy.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/ac-usn22/z-types/zrs5-m.htm
>>> I went there as a kid <<<
When was that? If you were on a school tour around 79 I may have been the tour guide.
It was fun and a easy way to get most of the day off.
>>>> Sadly, I just learned from the that the hangar is off-limits to the public due to chemical contamination, and is tentatively slated for demolition <<<<
What BS. Just leave it alone It won’t hurt anyone. save 12 mil Also I recall that hanger one is a registered state historic landmark. Be on the lookout for people in the pockets ofbig money developers.
It was neat getting up inside those hangers. Waaay back when I was an E2 And would pull the late night hanger watch. Would Sneak up inside them (hey I thought I saw a spark up there) Great view from up on top & looking down. Besides when I got to be PO of the Watch I knew every skate place there was in & around those three hangers.
Make sure you keep them up And while your at it bring back the Moffett Air Show. It was one of the best! My former squadron CO started it.
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