Newark Liberty International Airport, originally known as Newark Metropolitan Airport, was designed for fixed-wing operations in the early 20th century.
Airships, particularly those operated by the German Zeppelin Company, used Newark and nearby facilities extensively. However, military involvement in airship operations, specifically in the context of Newark, was limited.
In the 1920s and 1930s, airships were primarily used for commercial passenger travel and mail transport. The German Zeppelin Company, led by Hugo Eckener, was at the forefront of airship technology with notable airships like the LZ 129 Hindenburg. These airships conducted transatlantic flights, providing luxurious and relatively fast travel compared to sea voyages.
The Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937, is one of the most infamous events associated with airship travel. The Hindenburg, filled with hydrogen, caught fire while attempting to land at nearby Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey, a facility equipped to handle such large airships. The disaster resulted in 36 fatalities among the 97 people on board, along with one worker on the ground.
Military involvement in airship operations was more pronounced during and after World War I, primarily for reconnaissance and patrol missions rather than commercial purposes. The U.S. Navy operated several airships for these purposes. However, by the time of the Hindenburg disaster, military use of airships had declined significantly in favor of airplanes, which were proving to be more versatile and reliable.
During the Hindenburg’s operations, the U.S. Navy’s role was more about providing infrastructure and logistical support rather than direct involvement in commercial airship operations. The Naval Air Station Lakehurst, where the Hindenburg was attempting to land, was a key facility for airship operations due to its extensive mooring and maintenance facilities.
The Hindenburg disaster marked the end of the airship era, as public confidence in hydrogen-filled airships was shattered. This event accelerated the transition to fixed-wing aircraft for both commercial and military purposes.