Introduction
In 2011, the first ship to be constructed at Cardington for 7 years in the guise of the latest constructed Lightship A 60+ in distinctive Goodyear livery.
A new ship had 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, was 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
Operational Work
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“
Accident in Germany
Whilst on its 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, smelled fuel fumes and heroically 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 tragically died in the airship’s wreck.
Technical and Performance Specifications
Technical Specifications:
Gondola Specifications
Length: 13 feet (cabin 8.8 feet)
Height: 9.5 feet (cabin 6.33 feet)
Width: 5 feet
Passenger Capacity: 3 plus pilot or 2 adults & 2 small children plus pilot
Camera Capabilities: “Gyro-stabilised 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 favour)
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
Special thanks to Simon George for the use of his photos