Just a passionate airship pioneer?
Gallery

Hugo Eckener, in his capacity as armaments manager, when the contract for the further development of the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant transport aircraft was awarded to Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH in the fall of 1942. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

The bust of Hugo Eckener, created by artist Werner Gürtner, was originally made in 1934. It attests to Eckener’s significance at that time, which, however, was based exclusively on his role as an airship pioneer. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

Hugo Eckener in 1954. Because of his role as an armaments manager, Eckener was “denazified” after the war. He was never seriously held accountable for his position in the Nazi armaments industry. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
The top leadership of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH, including Wernher von Braun, and staff of the Peenemünde Army Research Center, 1942. The photo shows Eckener in his role as head of the defense economy. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

Hugo Eckener and Karl Maybach, presumably at the “Panzerwiese” near Markdorf in May 1943. The photo was likely taken during tests of the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen