Goodyear Blimp

by FliteTest | March 11, 2013 | (23) Posted in Projects

Assistant Chief Pilot - Michael Dougherty took us up in the Spirit of Goodyear Blimp and shared a little about how to fly the iconic airship!

The Goodyear blimp has an amazing history and it's a unique opportunity to have a chance to take a ride in what is essentially a giant helium balloon. 

The Blimp has some common controls to maneuver the airship like foot peddles allow you to steer. The ship has some more unique controls as well, like a series of cords that control air valves and a large wheel to control the elevator.

The trip inspired David to customize a Goodyear Helium RC airship that maneuvered more like the real thing! 

Switching out some motors and customizing the ship with tail fins and a servo track setup which allows the balloon to change it's pitch. The balloon has a flight time of about an hour!

The customized servo moves up forward and back on the track and allows the RC Blimp to fly more like the actual Goodyear Blimp (sorta).

We'd like to thank Goodyear for the chance to ride in the Spirit of Goodyear and to learn more about these amazing airships!

Learn more about the Goodyear Blimp at their website: 
http://www.goodyearblimp.com 

More photos available in the Forum Post!  Click the "Join the Discussion" link below 

Here's some bonus video from the Goodyear Blimp - Hall of History:


COMMENTS

Hasersys on March 12, 2013
this is one of the most enjoyable shows I have seen. I think that about all of them. I have gained a lot of new in sight on blimps and respect.
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casehatter on March 12, 2013
I'm Jellous well can't spell it but you know ... Good job Guys and how about a DIY on the servo David pretty please..!! Would also like to ad that Bruce in New Zealand is trying to form a world wide RC Club and I was wondering if we could get your support. His site is XJET he's a good ole sort funny and entertaining like you guys and he is very informative, I wouldn't call him compatision but a coalition don't ya love my spellen lol ..!! GREAT JOB ENJOYED IT BUT NOT AS MUCH AS YOU I'M SURE..!!
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XFlyer on March 12, 2013
Build video? I would Looooooooove to build one!

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SeanJuan73 on March 12, 2013
You guys might want to check out this video. He setup the ballast with a servo, wire and some fishing weights. Seems less complicated and lighter.
http://youtu.be/Ql_3Xj42tZU?t=1m5s
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tramsgar on March 17, 2013
Great trip you had there! But that wasn't the first blimp ride, right? I could never find the video of the first one...
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liveyourdreamsRC on March 12, 2013
Great Job again FT crew! Now the challenge, make something like it that you can FPV. Also awaiting your T-copter Bixler-I caught it in the last few scenes of the episode. Keep it up guys!
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Adib Vahedi on March 12, 2013
great video guys and Josh Scott are u actually married and have kids??
Please answer and hope you had some great fun!

Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
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Goodyear Blimp