Sometimes you see them; other times, you don’t. They are hard to miss with their oblong shape and bright colors. But just how many blimps are there in the world?
The answer might surprise you. According to the Goodyear website, as of 2018, there are only three operational blimps worldwide. Two of these blimps are based in the United States, and the other is based in Japan.
With such a small number of blimps in operation, you might think they are a dying breed. However, this is not the case. Recently, there has been some resurgence in interest in blimps, and several companies are planning to build new ones.
Why the sudden interest in blimps? There are a few reasons. At first, they are much cheaper to operate than conventional aircraft. Second, they can stay in the air for long periods, making them ideal for advertising and surveillance.
So while there might not be many blimps flying around right now, that could all change shortly. Maybe you’ll see one flying over your town or city soon!
What is the cost to build one blimp?
Blimps are not cheap to build. Goodyear’s latest blimp, the Spirit of Innovation, cost $21 million to construct. That is a lot of money, but it is still cheaper than a conventional aircraft. The operating costs for blimps are also much cheaper than for traditional aircraft. For example, Goodyear estimates it costs $170 per hour to fly their latest blimp. In comparison, it costs over $1,400 per hour to fly a small private jet.
How long can a blimp stay in the air?
Blimps can stay in the air for long periods of time. Goodyear’s latest blimp can stay in the air for up to 24 hours. That means it can stay aloft for an entire day!
In addition to advertising and surveillance, blimps have a number of other uses. They are often used for research purposes, as they can provide a unique perspective for scientists. They have also been used to transport goods and people. In fact, during World War II, blimps were used to transport troops and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean.
How many types are blimps have?
There are two main types of blimps: non-rigid and rigid. Non-rigid blimps, sometimes called “semirigid” blimps, do not have a rigid internal structure. This gives them more flexibility, but it also makes them more difficult to control. Rigid blimps, on the other hand, have a rigid internal structure. This makes them easier to control, but it also makes them less flexible.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about blimps! These unique aircraft are sure to be seen more in the years to come. So keep your eyes peeled, and you might just spot one flying overhead.
