Russian Empire airship B-7 Chelyuskinets

After the V-6 the Soviet Union built the Soviet B-7 airship, named “Chelyuskinets”.

The first flight was performed in 1934.

In 1935 was built a second, same airship, designated B-7 bis, after its predecessor USSR-V7 burnt in a fire.

USSR-V7bis Chelyuskinets water landing in the Leningrad Region

On the way from Petrozavodsk to Gatchina, it ran out of fuel when it was 100 m from the base so it had to waterland. However, the airship caught on powerlines and a fire broke out. Those who jumped out into the water stayed alive. The burning airship fell on a kennel killing over 100 shepherds. The commander of the airship was sentenced to two years in prison but was later released.

B-7
Envelope volume: 9,500 cu.m

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