Photo: Goodyear
It’s been less than a month since the iconic “Spirit of Goodyear” blimp was retired after a fourteen-year-long career, and the tire company has unveiled its next-generation airship.
Scheduled to begin test flights over Northeast Ohio later this month before going into service this summer, the new blimp is larger and faster than its predecessor.
The airship is 246 feet long, about 50 feet longer than the previous blimps, and features a new paint scheme that retains both the traditional blue and yellow colors, as well as the Goodyear logo.
Built with help from Germany’s ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik and DuPont, with the latter providing an innovative film for the balloon-like body, the next-gen blimp is fitted with a brand new interior that delivers seating for up to 12 passengers.
It will also offer increased flight range and enhanced aerial television coverage, according to Goodyear’s senior vice president of global communications, Paul Fitzhenry.
"The completion of the new blimp marks the beginning of a new era for our airship program and reflects Goodyear's commitment to remaining at the forefront of aerial broadcast coverage and support," he noted.
The new blimp will be named following a nationwide contest that was launched in conjunction with the airship’s unveiling. The “Name the Blimp” contest is opened to all entrants over 18 years of age in the US. The winner will join the blimp for a day of airship activities, while nine runner-ups will receive a set of Goodyear tires.
Entrants can submit a name by visiting goodyear.com/nametheblimp until Friday, April 4.
The airship is 246 feet long, about 50 feet longer than the previous blimps, and features a new paint scheme that retains both the traditional blue and yellow colors, as well as the Goodyear logo.
Built with help from Germany’s ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik and DuPont, with the latter providing an innovative film for the balloon-like body, the next-gen blimp is fitted with a brand new interior that delivers seating for up to 12 passengers.
It will also offer increased flight range and enhanced aerial television coverage, according to Goodyear’s senior vice president of global communications, Paul Fitzhenry.
"The completion of the new blimp marks the beginning of a new era for our airship program and reflects Goodyear's commitment to remaining at the forefront of aerial broadcast coverage and support," he noted.
The new blimp will be named following a nationwide contest that was launched in conjunction with the airship’s unveiling. The “Name the Blimp” contest is opened to all entrants over 18 years of age in the US. The winner will join the blimp for a day of airship activities, while nine runner-ups will receive a set of Goodyear tires.
Entrants can submit a name by visiting goodyear.com/nametheblimp until Friday, April 4.
Google News