A model of the Tisandier 'La France' airship of 1883.

Model (scale 1:50). The first use of electricity to power an airship was by the brothers Albert and Gaston Tisandier. The current was supplied by 24 bichromate of potash cells to a Siemens 1 1/2 hp engine. In 1884 La France proved capable of steady flight and of returning to its point of ascent. However it was apparent that owing to the heavy weight of the batteries, electric power did not provide a solution to the longstanding problem of airship propulsion.