100 years ago – pioneering air/sea logistics
100 years ago today, on 16 July 1925, the 'MS Schwabenland' ship was launched as the 'Schwarzenfels' by the shipyard Deutsche Werke Kiel.
Originally built for DDG Hansa, the vessel was transformed in 1934 into a floating base. Fitted with a Heinkel steam catapult and crane, it enabled flying boats like the 'Do-Wal' to be launched directly from the deck, bypassing the limitations of sea take-off. These airborne launches reduced trans-Atlantic mail transit times by over 24 hours.
With a full Telefunken radio suite and dedicated aviation support deck, the 'Schwabenland' served as a mobile launchpad for Lufthansa’s South Atlantic airmail service from 1934. As one of four catapult ships operated by the airline, it paved the way for early intercontinental air logistics. In 1938, the 'Schwabenland' supported Germany’s Antarctic mapping expedition, showcasing how shipborne aviation bridged the gap between continents in a pre-jet era.
Severely damaged by a British torpedo in 1944, the 'Schwabenland' was finally scuttled with chemical munition on board in the Skagerrak in 1946. It remains a unique example of early air-sea logistics integration. (ah)