The dawn of aviation began with lighter-than-air craft and gliders. They were in the forefront of what eventually led to the Wright brothers' activities at Kitty Hawk. The Navy's early use of lighter-than-air craft may be traced back to the American Civil War. However, it was a short-lived affair and these LTA possibilities were not pursued after the war. With the advent of airplanes in naval service, the Navy again turned its interest to lighter-than-air craft. The Navy's lighter-than-air program blossomed and its fleet of airships became the largest the world has ever seen. During the era...