in
2011, the first ship to be constructed at Cardington for 7 years
in the guise of the latest constructed Lightship A 60+ in destinctive
Goodyear livery.
A new ship has been released
from the Cardington production facility. A new Lightship A60 +
from the Operator Goodyear Airship.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
According to the Goodyear Website, "The
search is on to find the Goodyear Blimp’s first UK passenger,
as the iconic airship returns to Europe following a 12 year absence.
To mark
the arrival of the tyre giant’s corporate airship Spirit
of Safety I on March 21, Goodyear is calling for people to nominate
those they believe are worthy of winning an exclusive flight in
the Blimp.
Whether
it is a family member, partner, friend or work colleague, Goodyear
is appealing to residents across the nation to suggest those who
go that extra mile and to state reasons as to why they should
be chosen.The competition, which will run for the duration of
the Blimp’s tour within the UK, will draw weekly winners
awarding them the VIP experience of a flight in the Blimp.
“It’s
so exciting to be bringing the Goodyear Blimp back to the UK,”
said Goodyear’s marketing director Eddy Geerdink. “For
over 80 years, we have used the famous airship as an aerial safety
ambassador and we hope to continue this tradition by using the
Goodyear Blimp to lead on a number of road safety initiatives
in the UK and throughout its European safety tour.
Eddy continued:
“A flight in the Blimp is a once in a lifetime opportunity
and we are confident it will generate a lot of interest as it
tours the country. I’m sure it will be a difficult decision
to choose our winners, but we’re looking forward to seeing
the nominations.”
Recognised
across the globe, the Goodyear Blimp returns to the UK to promote
the brand’s consumer focus on road safety, leading the way
in a number of safety initiatives and events.
Over the
last decade, Goodyear Blimps have flown over the USA, Brazil and
China, but this news marks the first European tour since 1999.
Between March and October, two Goodyear Blimps named Spirit of
Safety I and Spirit of Safety II will visit 20 countries, with
the tour starting in the UK"
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
Further details to follow
for the ships life and events at Cardington. If you would like
any photographs you may have of the ship and it's voyages pubished
here of the ship, then please contact the webmaster.
Accident
in Germany and trageic loss of ship and pilot
Whilst on it's European Tour,
the Spirit of Safety caught fire while on landing approach to
the Reichelsheim Airport, and crashed on June 12, 2011, near Reichelsheim,
Hesse, Germany. The pilot, Michael Nerandzic, flew the airship
low enough that passengers could jump to the ground, and all three
did indeed leap to safety. Nerandzic then, while still able to
maintain some control on the burning blimp, climbed away so that
fire or wreckage would not hit the escapees; soon after, Nerandzic
died in the blimp's wreck.
