How Fast Do Blimps Go? Blimp Travel Distance Insights and Facts for Av Geeks

December 12, 2022

---

Did you know? Van Wagner used to own and operate 8 of the 13 active airships in the world today. Our operations teams are experts in blimp aviation and technology, including the operation of the European Goodyear blimp by Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei for public flights in Germany.

In fact, our pilots are certified by the FAA as blimp flight instructors! The Goodyear blimp is a significant icon in blimp aviation, showcasing the history, technology, and cultural impact of these airships. If you’re an aviation fan (av geek) or blimp buff (helium head) you’re in the right place!

Check out these facts we put together about blimps. The Goodyear blimp fleet has achieved historical milestones and international expansion, marking its presence at significant events worldwide.

General Facts About Blimps

1. Blimps are in the category of LTA vehicles, which stands for lighter than air.
2. Blimps are filled with helium, an inert gas.
3. There are more astronauts in the world than blimp pilots. The iconic Goodyear blimp, known for its unique flying characteristics, stands out at stadiums and in the sky.
4. Blimps date back to the mid-1800s.
5. You can fit 75 million golf balls in a blimp.
6. Blimps lift due to high pressure and helium pumped in the balloon.
7. A blimp uses less fuel in two weeks than it takes a 747 airplane just to taxi to the runway.
8. The only solid parts of a blimp are the gondola, where the passengers are, and the tail fins used for stability.
9. Blimps require propeller motors for steering mobility purposes.
10. Some blimps were used for patrolling purposes for the United States Navy in the World War I period. The Goodyear blimp returned to Europe, visiting iconic landmarks and covering significant events like the British Touring Car Championship and the Le Mans 24-hour race.
11. Blimps belong to a family of aircraft called “airships,” defined as an aircraft that doesn’t use wings to fly.
12. A blimp is an airship that has no internal framework to keep its helium gas bag rigid. The transition from non-rigid airships to semi-rigid airships within the Goodyear fleet marks a significant advancement in airship technology.
13. Pilots power and steer blimps with two propeller engines and a movable tail and rudder system.
14. On average, blimps can travel 150-200 miles per day.
15. There are 4 air valves on each blimp- two at the front and two at the back. The valves are opened and closed to either let air out or keep air in the ballonets.
16. The usual cruising speed for a blimp is 35 miles per hour in a zero wind condition. The new Goodyear blimp, with its technological advancements, boasts an increased top speed, enhancing its operational efficiency.
17. Airships can carry enough fuel to fly for twenty-four hours, although they rarely do.
18. Without any lifting gas, the empty ship (GZ-20) weighs about 12,840 pounds. Inflated with helium, the ship weighs only 100-200 pounds, depending on the amount of fuel, payload and ballast aboard.

Goodyear Blimps Factoids

Goodyear blimps are pretty iconic! They’re giant floating billboards for Goodyear, the tire company. But they’re way more than just ads in the sky.

Alright, let’s break down the cool facts about Goodyear blimps into some easy-to-digest bullet points. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Goodyear’s been cranking out these blimps since way back in 1912. That’s over a century of blimp-making!
2. They’ve got a whole squad of blimps with awesome names like Wingfoot One, Wingfoot Two, and the Spirit of Innovation.
3. The blimps we see these days are actually “semi-rigid” airships. They’ve got a tough internal frame to keep them in shape.
4. These babies are massive! We’re talking 192 feet long and 59 feet tall. That’s like a floating skyscraper!
5. The blimps are filled with a whopping 202,700 cubic feet of helium. That’s what keeps them soaring high in the sky.
6. Just like a regular balloon, the helium in the blimps slowly leaks out over time. So, Goodyear’s always gotta top them up to keep them flying.
7. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used Goodyear blimps for all sorts of missions, like training, patrols, and even search and rescue ops.
8. The Spirit of Goodyear blimp holds the world record for the longest continuous operation of any airship. Now that’s some serious staying power!
9. You’ll often catch Goodyear blimps covering big sports events from up above, like football games and golf tournaments. They’ve become a fan favorite!
10. In 2014, Goodyear started swapping out their old blimps for these sleek new semi-rigid models. So, the blimps you see now are like a blend of classic and cutting-edge technology.

Over time, with Met Life’s Snoopy One and Snoopy Two

You know those Snoopy blimps you might’ve seen floating around? Turns out they belong to MetLife and have some pretty cool names – Snoopy One and Snoopy Two!

These blimps are quite special. Below are additional facts about both:

1. Snoopy One first took flight in 1987.
2. Snoopy One and Snoopy Two combine to travel approximately 120,000 miles a year throughout the United States.
3. They’re A-60+ models that can carry up to three passengers plus the pilot. The inside is designed to fit this crew and passenger setup perfectly.
4. Now, you might wonder, “What’s the difference between Snoopy One and Snoopy Two?” It’s actually all about the color scheme. Snoopy Two rocks a red control car and underbelly, while Snoopy One is sporting a cool blue underneath.
5. Each of the Snoopys carries a 250-pound gyro-stabilized camera on the nose of its gondola; each camera features an 80x zoom lens that’s about ten times as powerful as the average pair of binoculars.
6. MetLife and Peanuts Worldwide have a long-standing partnership. They’ve been featuring Snoopy in their ads for ages. Just last year, in 2023, they teamed up again to have Snoopy help promote their pet insurance. How cool is that?
7. Snoopy One and Snoopy Two have become symbols for MetLife. They’re super iconic! The blimps have been used to cover all sorts of events from the sky, like the PGA Championship at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island. In a typical year, Snoopy One and Snoopy Two combine to cover approximately 70 events for networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN and The Golf Channel.

Interested in aerial advertising?

If you’re looking to take your brand to new heights and make a lasting impression on your target audience, Van Wagner’s aerial advertising services are the way to go. With the nation’s largest fleet of aerial advertising aircraft, you can showcase your message in a way that’s impossible to ignore.

Aerial advertising is a cost-effective way to reach massive audiences at major events, and Van Wagner Aerial has the expertise to make your campaign soar. They offer high-impact, full-color aerial billboards that are sure to grab attention and create buzz around your brand. Plus, with the ability to create touch points where consumers can get up close and personal with your message, you’ll forge a genuine connection with your audience.

So, if you want to elevate your marketing game and make a real impact, partnering with Van Wagner for their aerial advertising services is a surefire way to get your business noticed.

 

Interested in aerial advertising? CONTACT US TODAY for a free consultation!