One of the world’s most famous airships – the iconic Goodyear Blimp – will take flight during the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) round at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit later this month.
The Blimp will fly over the Brands Hatch circuit on June 26 and 27 to film the third round of the BTCC, before returning to the skies of London on June 29 and 30 for passengers. It will be the first time in more than a decade that the Zeppelin has inhabited British skies.
With its distinctive blue and yellow livery, the Goodyear Blimp is one of the most famous Zeppelins in the world. Since its first flight as the Pilgrim in 1925, various forms of the airship have been used for aerial filming, commercial rides, and advertising.
Last year, it even was the subject of our own Christmas Autocar test drive. However, today it is more often seen flying in the United States during sporting events such as Nascar races, NBA games, and PGA golf competitions.
Its appearance at this month’s BTCC cements Goodyear’s close ties to the series, which since 2019 has placed Goodyear as the sole supplier of tires for BTCC cars. He had held the title sponsorship rights to the championship since 2005.
The airship or, more precisely, the Zeppelin LZ N07-101, is a hybrid, or semi-rigid, airship that has a frame inside but does not hold the balloon. It takes its shape from the pressure of gas alone, which in the case of the Goodyear Blimp is about 7,500 cubic meters of helium.
In return, the Zeppelin weighs approximately 7,500 kg. This makes the airship almost lighter than air. It is powered by three 200 hp engines, for a total of 600 hp, and can travel at a top speed of 78 mph for over 600 miles.
The airship is over 75m long and almost 18m high. His last flight to the UK was on a nationwide tour in 2011.
Goodyear UK Managing Director Pravesh Amtha said: “[The Goodyear Blimp’s] the return to the UK is long overdue and we are incredibly excited, both to see it soar above the BTCC and to provide unique experiences for the lucky passengers who will fly over London.
READ MORE
2020 Christmas Test Drive: The Goodyear Airship
Christmas Road Test video review: Zeppelin airship “The Goodyear Blimp”
Racing lines: Goodyear set for a return to European motorsport
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-02 16:50:27
