Islanders in Ryde and the surrounding areas may be able to catch a glimpse of a rare sight later this afternoon (Thursday), as the Goodyear blimp travels across the South Coast.
The iconic airship will be making the journey as part of the final leg of its UK tour, with this appearance being its first in England’s airspace in 10 years.
Well known around the world, the airship has provided aerial coverage of some of history’s most-watched television events, including FA Cup Finals and Live Aid.
Setting off from Brighton at 12:40, the blimp will appear over Worthing in Sussex before heading across to Portsmouth, Southampton, and then North to Winchester.
The 246-feet-long blimp is easily recognisable for its blue and yellow appearance and usually flies between 1000 and 1,500 feet. The bulbous envelope that allows it to float in the air is packed with over 297,000 cubic feet of helium – and is big enough to hold the equivalent of over 3 Olympic size swimming pools of water or 207 million golf balls.
With a top speed of just 73mph, Islanders will have plenty of time to catch a glimpse of the blimp.
The Goodyear Blimp will arrive over Portsmouth at approximately 13:50, and over Southampton at 14:20.
How do airships like the Goodyear Blimp fly?
Airships like the Goodyear Blimp are able to fly due to their large balloon-like envelope, which similar to a balloon, is filled with inert helium gas. Due to helium weighing less than the air that we breathe, it allows the blimp to float upwards.
An airship is made up of a semi-rigid skeleton, usually made of lightweight material like aluminium or carbon fibre. On the outside of the blimp are engines, which allow the blimp to be manoeuvered and to travel forwards and backwards.
Below the envelope is a small gondola (or passenger car). The Goodyear blimp can seat up to 12 passengers, and features wraparound windows giving unparallelled views.
Wow, can’t wait……..