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Though most people associate the invention of the dirigible with German inventor Ferdinand von Zeppelin, it was Schwarz, a Croatian wood merchant, who designed the first rigid airship. His first model collapsed upon inflation, but in 1897, his second prototype flew briefly. Its frame was built of aluminum, a relatively new material at that time. Sadly, Schwarz never saw his creation airborne—he died before its maiden flight. Why do some believe that Zeppelin’s design was based on Schwarz’s work? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary