A
new ship has been released from the Cardington production facility.
A new Lightship A60 + from the Operator/Owner The Lightship Group.
The main manufacturer of the parts which were assembled at Cardington
being the American Blimp Corporation
Envelope
Materials: Technologically advanced fabrics enhance UV protection
of the "envelope, which carries the structural load and acts
as the gas " barrier
Illumination: The airship features a special internal illumination
system comprising of "2, 1,000 watt bulbs allowing the airship
envelope to glow during " nighttime operations"
The
ship carried out trial flights on a perfect flying day of 23rd
May 2004
This
latest ship will follow in the line of the fleet of Lightships which
have been produced by the Lightship Group. The
Lightship Group was formed in 1995 as a partnership between Virgin
Lightships - part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group of Companies
- and the manufacturer of the Lightship®, American Blimp Corporation.
The company has approximalty 16 airships in it's fleet today.
Passenger
Capacity: 3 plus pilot or 2 adults & 2 small children plus
pilot
Camera Capabilities: "Gyro-stabilized camera mounting capabilities,
providing an " excellent platform for television and video
photography
Performance
Specifications
Range:
425 nm
Endurance: 15 hours at cruise
Cruising Speed: 32 mph
Maximum Speed: 55 mph (with winds in favor)
Power: "Twin, 80-horsepower Limbach engines"
Electrical
System: "28-volt, 70-amp system with two, 28-volt, 35-amp
alternators"
Fuel Capacity: 74 gallons
Fuel Consumption: 4 gallons per hour (cruising)
Maximum Rate of Climb: "1,600 feet per minute"
Operating Area Diameter: 1000 feet
Flight Configuration: "Day / Night, VFR / IFR, Single Pilot"
Ground Crew: Thirteen
