The Last of the Goodyear Blimps – Deflation in Pictures

Posted on March 17, 2017 by LighterThanAirSociety

Source:  Reuters – reuters.com

Images of the deflation of the last Goodyear GZ-20A blimp, the Spirit of Innovation, as documented by Reuters photographer Mike Blake in the early hours of March 14, 2017.

Continue reading →

Posted in Airships, Blimps | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Retires Spirit of Innovation

Posted on March 17, 2017 by LighterThanAirSociety

Source: Goodyear Blimp – goodyearblimp.com

Goodyear formally retired its last GZ-20 model blimp, Spirit of Innovation, on March 14, 2017. Goodyear honored the tradition of the blimps, preserving many of the parts for historical display. The retirement continues the transition to a wholly modern fleet of Goodyear Blimps.

Continue reading →

Posted in Airships, Blimps | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Zero 2 Infinity Successfully Launches Its First Rocket from the Edge of Space

Posted on March 14, 2017 by LighterThanAirSociety

Source: Digital Journal – digitaljournal.com

This milestone opens the door for safer and more efficient Space access for small satellites

Continue reading →

Posted in Balloons, Stratospheric Balloons | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Local history: 100 Years Ago, Goodrich Built Blimps Too

Posted on March 13, 2017 by LighterThanAirSociety

Source: Akron Beacon Journal – ohio.com

By Mark J. Price – Beacon Journal staff writer

Akron added an important word to its lexicon 100 years ago.

Dr. William C. Geer, vice president of the B.F. Goodrich Co., called a staff meeting in 1917 to announce the exciting news that the Akron company would bid on a blimp contract for the U.S. Navy.

Continue reading →

Posted in Airships, Blimps, History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AAIB investigation to HAV Airlander 10, G-PHRG

Posted on March 13, 2017 by LighterThanAirSociety

Source: Air Accidents Investigation Branch – www.gov.uk/aaib-reports

From:                        Air Accidents Investigation Branch

Published:                9 March 2017

Date of occurrence:  24 August 2016

Aircraft category:     Sport aviation and balloons

Report type:             Bulletin – Correspondence investigation

Aircraft type:           HAV Airlander 10

Location:                  Cardington Airfield, Bedfordshire

Registration:             G-PHRG

Hard landing during test flight, Cardington Airfield, Bedfordshire, 24 August 2016.

Continue reading →

Posted in Airships, Hybrid Airships | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment