[Leica] IMG: Goodyear Blimp

[Jim Nichols]

Al, as I looked at the photos once more, I realized that I failed to 
mention the conventional movable tail surfaces.  If it is in forward 
motion, these provide normal steering.

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA

On 10/13/2017 10:48 PM, Jim Nichols wrote:
> 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
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Leica Users Group.
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>> _______________________________________________
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>
>
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