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The Nazi Hindenburg airship was actually designed to use Helium, so why was Hydrogen used instead?

Question #149563. Asked by BigTriviaDawg.
Last updated Jul 30 2023.
Originally posted Jul 30 2023 6:25 PM.

psnz

Answer has 4 votes

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psnz

5 year member
1007 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Basically, because of US export restrictions.

At that time, the US government controlled the only significant supplies of helium (a non-flammable lifting gas), and refused to supply it to the Nazi government. So the Hindenburg had to use flammable hydrogen.

https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2004/02/26/1052864.htm

Sadly in 1937, the flammability of hydrogen was responsible for the fatal outcome which is now known as the "Hindenburg Disaster."

Jul 30 2023, 6:32 PM

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The Nazi Hindenburg airship was actually designed to use Helium, so why was Hydrogen used instead?

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