Introduction
In 2004 saw a new ship was constructed at Cardington in the guise of the latest constructed Lightship A 60+ in distinctive T Mobile livery
A new Lightship A60 + from the Operator/Owner, 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
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”
Trial Flights
All photo’s copyright and kindly reproduced courtesy of Trevor Monk and his Father, Howard, based at Cardington
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 had approximately 16 airships in its fleet.
Gondola 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-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