The SMS Hindenburg was a German naval airship, part of the Luftschiff fleet, launched in 1936. It was designed for passenger travel and military reconnaissance, showcasing advanced engineering for its time. The airship was named after Paul von Hindenburg, a prominent German military leader and politician. The Hindenburg was notable for its size and luxury, offering amenities like dining rooms and observation decks. However, its service ended tragically in 1937 when it caught fire while landing in Lakehurst, New Jersey, leading to the decline of airship travel and raising safety concerns about hydrogen-filled airships.