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
{Lightship
A60+
A
new ship constructed at Cardington in the guise of the latest
constructed Lightship A 60+ in destinctive T Mobile livery
Lightship
A60+
A
new ship constructed at Cardington in the guise of the latest
constructed Lightship A 60+ in destinctive T Mobile livery