WI: Hybrid Airships?

Yes, I'm on an alternate technology kick tonight... Sorry.

Is it possible for hybrid airships (combinations of airships and airplanes, or something in between) to have come to popularity instead of airplanes or airships respectively. How early would this have become successful if at all and what are the consequences?

END OF TECHNOLOGY KICK.
 
Like a rigid-hulled airship with air foils for extra lift? I think you wouldn't be able to get to effective speeds for the additional lift to counteract the added weight of the air foils using engine technology pre-1900. If anything the airfoils would add more drag to the whole setup.
 
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