Tin Balloon (silent)

The U. S. Navy ZMC2, 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. GoodyearZeppelin and several senior Navy LTA officers continued to hold that the fabricandwire designs were the only true rigid airships. Consequently the Navy reluctantly accepted the ZMC2 but never attempted to explore the potential of its design, such as hydrogen inflation without fear of fabric fire. Author James Shock praised ZMC2 as remarkable in that it survived twelve years rather rare for a prototype. Monocoque construction remains a possibility today.