Server: Netscape-Enterprise/3.0 Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 05:03:12 GMT Content-type: text/html About Goodyear - Blimp Information


For nearly 70 years, Goodyear blimps have plied the skies as very visible corporate symbols of the tire and rubber company that began operations in 1898.

Today, these graceful giants log nearly 200,000 air miles per year traveling across the United States as Goodyear's "Aerial Ambassadors."

t r a d i t i o n

The blimp tradition began in 1925 when Goodyear built its first helium-filled public relations airship, the Pilgrim. Other ships followed, most named after winners of the famed America's cup yacht race. Naming the airships after America's Cup winners began with then Goodyear Chairman Paul W Litchfield. A sailing enthusiast, he envisioned blimps as giant sailing ships of the skies.


 

From THE WEBSTER'S NEW WORLD CHILDREN'S DICTIONARY, Copyright 1991 by Simon & Schuster Inc. Courtesy Macmillan Reference USA, a Simon & Shuster Macmillan Company.


Over the years, Goodyear built more than 300 airships, more than any other company in the world. Akron, Ohio, the company's corporate headquarters, became the center of blimp manufacturing. Even though Goodyear no longer manufacturers airships, lighter-than-air aviation's heritage is rooted there through the continued operations of the company's fleet, which now includes three brightly colored blimps.

Goodyear-built airships also performed yeoman's service for the Army and Navy. Although the Army withdrew from the airship program in the 1930's, the Navy remained a strong supporter of lighter-than-air until the last of its airship fleet was phased out in 1962. Recently, the Navy renewed its interest in modern airships for aerial surveillance, a role the Goodyear blimps played with distinction during both world wars.