Zeppelin NT, a modern airship. A technician moors the Zeppelin. This is done by connecting the nose line to a draw line, winching in the airship, then attaching its nose to a mast. At 75 metres in length this airship is smaller than the original Zeppelins. With a full payload it has negative buoyancy and so has to rely upon lift gained from the engines, which can power it to speeds of up to 125 kilometres per hour. The first prototype airship was launched in 1997 and since 2001 they have been used to give flights for tourists and as observation platforms for television crews at major events.