The Graf Zeppelin was a German airship that became famous in the early 20th century. It was named after its designer, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, and made its first flight in 1928. The airship was primarily used for passenger travel and scientific missions, covering thousands of miles across Europe and the Americas. The Graf Zeppelin was notable for its size and innovative design, featuring a rigid structure filled with hydrogen gas. It completed numerous successful flights, including a historic circumnavigation of the globe in 1929, showcasing the potential of air travel before the rise of airplanes.