Goodyear Blimp: Iconic airship spotted cruising over London today

The iconic Goodyear Blimp has been seen crusing the skies above the capital today.

The airship is flying a route over the city that takes in iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard and Hyde Park.

Goodyear’s eye-catching aircraft appeared in the UK last year, which was the first time in over a decade.

The semi-rigid Zeppelin NT airship measures over 75 metres in length and almost 18 metres in height.

It’s become a common sight above sports events around the world, but is particularly well known in the United States.

As well as passing over London, Goodyear is taking the blimp over to Europe for a tour, taking racing events at Monza, the Nürburgring and Le Mans.

Sonia Leneveu, Goodyear’s Marketing Director Consumer Europe, said: ‘This year, Goodyear will draw further on its legacy and heritage with the iconic Goodyear Blimp once again flying above Europe.

‘The tour will cover major motorsport events, as well as more cities, allowing residents to see the airship in the skies above famous European locations.

‘In 2022, the flights will take place in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy, following Goodyear’s spirit of going further.’

Aside from being a massive floating advert, there are some interesting facts about the Goodyear Blimp you can share with any fellow onlookers that also happen to spot it.

• Without its lifting gas, the Goodyear Blimp weighs over 9,072 kg. Once inflated with helium and after accounting for fuel, payload and ballast, it weighs in at around 45-90 kg
• The Goodyear Blimp has a max speed of 73 mph
• The Goodyear Blimp typically flies between 1,000 to 1,500 ft
• The volume of the Goodyear Blimp’s envelope is 297,527 cubic feet.
• Goodyear Blimps have adorned the skies since 1925
• Goodyear-built blimps were essential to the coastal defence plans of the U.S. Navy during World Wars I & II. Before they were aerial brand ambassadors, airships were used as observation platforms for patrolling the waters and escorting ships at sea.

In fact, when the Goodyear Blimp was taken out for a spin above London back in 2011, Metro.co.uk was aboard for an aerial view.

One of the events it was tasked with capturing was the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

How time flies.

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