paging the Zeppelinisti

We spent a couple of hours this morning watching a Zeppelin coming and
going, along with some other light aviation.

The Zeppelin is huge but seemed to have good control in the still-air
conditions.

See http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/58364090 for the pics
and http://www.staroverlondon.co.uk for info on the Zeppelin flights.

 

More of a Blimp than a Zeppelin, eh?

 

"What’s the difference between the Airship and a blimp?
The Airship’s round shape is due to the airship having a fixed rigid
structure inside. The structure consists of aluminium with triangular shaped
carbon fibre supports. The cover material is secured along the structure.
Due to this rigid shape the engines are placed where they can be most
effective.
Blimps on the other hand have no rigid structure whatsoever so could be
termed as large party balloons. A Zeppelin is a brand of Airship."

 

"What’s the difference between the Airship and a blimp?
The Airship’s round shape is due to the airship having a fixed rigid
structure inside. The structure consists of aluminium with triangular shaped
carbon fibre supports. The cover material is secured along the structure.
Due to this rigid shape the engines are placed where they can be most
effective.
Blimps on the other hand have no rigid structure whatsoever so could be
termed as large party balloons. A Zeppelin is a brand of Airship."

 

Was that the thing wandering up and down the Thames this lunchtime?

Was watching that whilst we had Dim Sum at Yi Ban. I assumed it was
something to do with the motor show.

 

<cough> I've had a go in one of those. A very civilised method of air
transport if I may say so.

 

No, it isn't.

 

"Ah," says Laura, "a wife-beater Zeppelin."

 

Thanks for that.

 

The old Zeepelins were pretty fucking big. And very flammable.