The Goodyear Blimp has returned to UK skies for the first time in four years, after departing from France this morning and crossing the English Channel. The semi-rigid Zeppelin NT airship, measuring over 75 metres in length and almost 18 metres in height, was spotted over Kent before making its way to Central London.
Surprise appearance over London
Office workers were taken aback when they looked out their windows today and saw the massive aircraft gliding by. The slow-moving blimp, which reaches a maximum speed of 73mph, was last seen in the UK in 2022 over London. It has not been sighted since until today, when it appeared over Kent and later Central London.
Some Londoners were surprised by the blimp's appearance, with one person joking that it was reminiscent of the Blitz. During World War I, German Zeppelins bombed central London in so-called 'silent' raids due to the quietness of the blimps. The attacks killed 668 Londoners and caused millions of pounds in damage to homes and businesses. However, compared to the Blitz in World War II, the Zeppelins caused far less destruction.
Fun facts about the Goodyear Blimp
Without its lifting gas, the Goodyear Blimp weighs over 9,072 kg. Once inflated with helium and accounting for fuel, payload and ballast, it weighs around 45-90 kg. The blimp typically flies between 1,000 and 1,500 feet, and its envelope has an astounding volume of 297,527 cubic feet.
Goodyear Blimps have adorned the skies since 1925 and were essential to the U.S. Navy's coastal defence plans during World Wars I and II. Before becoming aerial brand ambassadors, airships were used as observation platforms for patrolling waters and escorting ships at sea. The blimp is a common sight at sports events worldwide, particularly in the United States.
The aircraft appears to be circling back from London already. In 2011, Metro.co.uk was aboard the Goodyear Blimp for an aerial view above London.
