First flown on June 3 1925 inflated with hydrogen, Pilgrim was in fact the first non-rigid airship to be designed to be inflated with non-inflammable helium. The first flight with helium was on July 17 1925.
Proudly called "America's First Air Yacht" because of its luxurious enclosed cabin rigged flush with the envelope by a unique system of internal suspension. Pilgrim was 105 1/2 ft long with a diameter of 31 ft. Power was from a 3 cylinder, 60 hp Lawrance radial engine giving her a maximum speed of 50 mph. There were seats for the pilot plus two passengers and there was a cockpit at the rear for the motor mechanic.
ALL PHOTOS are from the University of Akron's on-line archives.
