In the first place, a wireless outfit is about the most dangerous
piece of equipment which could be carried by such a craft as the
Zeppelin unless it is exceptionally well protected. As is well
known the rigidity of this type of airship is dependent upon a
large and complicated network of aluminium, which constitutes the
frame. Such a huge mass of metal constitutes an excellent
collector of electricity from the atmosphere; it becomes charged
to the maximum with electricity.
In this manner a formidable contributory source of danger to the
airship is formed. In fact, this was the reason why "Z-IV"
vanished suddenly in smoke and flame upon falling foul of the
branches of trees during its descent. At the time the Zeppelin
was a highly charged electrical machine or battery as it were,
insulated by the surrounding air. Directly the airship touched
the trees a short circuit was established, and the resultant
spark sufficed to fire the gas, which is continuously exuding
from the gas bags.
After this accident minute calculations were made and it was
ascertained that a potential difference of no less than 100,00
volts existed between the framework of the dirigible and the
trees.
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