With the sudden, tragic and catastrophic failures of the Boeing 307, Douglas DC-4 and Lockheed Constellation prototypes, airlines were desperate for a way to service their long-haul routes. Fortunately, TWA found a solution in lighter-than-air dirigibles. After the successful trans-Atlantic runs of the two new state-of-the-art German airships LZ-130 Hiddenberger and LZ-131 Graf von Seppellenen in 1938, TWA solicited bids for their own trans-continental airship. The leading contender, the Goodyear Co. out of Akron, Ohio submitted a bid that bordered on extortion. Fortunately, the B.F. Goodrich Co. from Charlotte, North Carolina proved a bit more reasonable and construction began in December, 1938. The B.F. Goodrich airship had a successful maiden flight from Charlotte to St. Louis in March, 1939. It was delivered to TWA just in time to inaugurate cross-country service for the opening of the 1939 World's Fair in New York City.
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Brian da Basher