[Leica] IMG: Goodyear Blimp

[Jim Nichols]

Al, I really didn't ask.  I suspect the flight crew and part of the 
ground crew hit the local restaurants and motels, but I suspect someone 
remains behind.

All I know about the flight controls is what I read and observed.  The 
registry says it is powered by a 180 HP Lycoming. It is mounted on the 
right side, and appeared to swivel so the thrust could be directed.  On 
the other side, there is the electric billboard that you see above ball 
games.  At the tail, there appeared to be two fans mounted 90 deg apart, 
to provide a vertical and horizontal component to tilt and steer the 
craft.  I have no idea how these are powered.

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA

On 10/13/2017 10:01 PM, al crouch wrote:
> Nice shots, Jim.  Do they tie it down and all go into town for the evening? I know they have a prop and some control surfaces, but how do they descend and ascend for parking and taking off?  You can tell I know nothing about blimps.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Jim Nichols <jhnichols at lighttube.net>
>> Sent: Oct 13, 2017 9:41 PM
>> To: "LUG at Leica-Users.org" <lug at leica-users.org>, Olympus Camera Discussion <olympus at thomasclausen.net>
>> Subject: [Leica] IMG: Goodyear Blimp
>>
>> Late today, the airport manager informed me that one of the Goodyear
>> Blimps was going to remain overnight at the Tullahoma Airport.  It was
>> circling away from the airport, awaiting the arrival of the ground
>> crew.   When I arrived at the airport, the blimp was west of the active
>> area of the airport.  Camera around my neck, and an extra battery in my
>> pocket, I hiked about a half mile across the rough grass and one active
>> runway to the area where he was to be tied down.  The crew saw that I
>> wanted pictures, and, with time on their hands, they circled and made
>> approaches to give me several angles.  My biggest problem was that the
>> setting sun was in my face, and I didn't relish hiking another half mile
>> to get the sun to my back.  So, what you see is what I was able to get.
>>
>> This is one of the new Goodyear craft, N1A, and is actually a
>> German-made Zeppelin, with some internal structure, not really a blimp,
>> but is still classified as a blimp.
>>
>> Cabin
>>
>> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20171013-DSCF5869.JPG.html
>>
>> Waiting for the ground crew
>>
>> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20171013-DSCF5895.JPG.html
>>
>> Circling above the Beech Party
>>
>> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20171013-DSCF5890.JPG.html
>>
>> In late afternoon sun
>>
>> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20171013-DSCF5875.JPG.html
>>
>> Still waiting at sundown
>>
>> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20171013-DSCF5900.JPG.html
>>
>> These may be viewed LARGE.
>>
>> Comments and critiques welcomed and appreciated.
>>
>> -- 
>> Jim Nichols
>> Tullahoma, TN USA
>>
>>
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