Gentlemen,
The Airship is an ABC (American Blimp Corp) A-60+ lightship.
Envelope - Volume 70,000 cu ft of Helium, length 130ft, height 44ft, width 34ft.
Gondola - length 14ft, width 5 ft, Seating 5 (max).
Performance 46 kts (max),
Airborne duration 15hrs on station, turning circle 750ft diameter.
The name Lightship is used because the entire envelope can be internally illuminated, providing a dramatic advertising platform at night.
There are only 3 Skyships still operating. Only one in Europe (N602CL) and that is based at Brand in former East Germany.
Goodyear stopped operating their own 'Blimps' in Europe after 'Europa' crashed in the South of France.
It is believed that the current ABC 'Goodyear' is operating from White Waltham - that is its usual base for flights over London.
Airship Industries 'Skycruise' operated sightseeing flights over London in 1987. They used a 13 seat Skyship 600. The operation was based at Radlett (aahh nostalgia), £125 for a 75 minute flight.
[This message has been edited by Red Spitfire Driver (edited 30 May 2001).]
[This message has been edited by Red Spitfire Driver (edited 30 May 2001).]