Blimps and Dirigibles

Blimps and dirigibles are types of airships. They float because they are filled with a gas that is lighter than air. Dirigibles have a hard frame inside, but blimps are soft like a balloon. These amazing flying machines were once used to carry passengers across the ocean.

The Age of Airships

In the early 1900s, giant dirigibles called zeppelins carried passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. They were like flying hotels with dining rooms and bedrooms. The most famous was the Hindenburg. Sadly, it caught fire in 1937, and people stopped using airships for travel.

Blimps Today

Today, blimps are mostly used for advertising and filming sports events. You might see the Goodyear Blimp flying over a football game. Some scientists think airships could make a comeback for carrying heavy cargo. Modern airships use safe helium gas instead of flammable hydrogen.

Fun Facts

• The Hindenburg was as long as three football fields.
• Blimps are called 'blimps' because they make a 'blimp' sound when you tap them.
• The Goodyear Blimp has been flying over sporting events since 1925.

Did You Know?

Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin built the first rigid airship in 1900. That's why big dirigibles are often called zeppelins, named after him!