“Tin Balloon“ (silent)

The U.S. Navy ZMC-2, nicknamed the “Tin Balloon“ or “Tin Blimp,“ was a completely unique addition to the airship inventory, and the only successful “metalclad“ ship in history. It was funded by act of Congress via representatives from Michigan, not requested by the Navy. Goodyear-Zeppelin and several senior Navy LTA officers continued to hold that the fabric-and-wire designs were the only true rigid airships. Consequently the Navy reluctantly accepted the ZMC-2 but never attempted to explore the potential of its design, such as hydrogen inflation without fear of fabric fire. Author James Shock praised ZMC-2 as remarkable in that it survived twelve years - rather rare for a prototype. Monocoque construction remains a possibility today.