Aircraft like the MetLife blimp have a rich 200-year history. However, the MetLife blimp is not a leftover from a bygone era. Actually, it is a highly technical aircraft. The outer covering of the blimp is called the envelope. The envelope consists of two layers, much like a tire and an inner tube. The outermost skin has a high-tech weather resistant plastic film laminated to a rip-stop polyester fabric. The inner bladder, which holds the helium, is comprised of a thin polyurethane plastic film. Though the envelope may appear taut and rigid, it is actually very flexible. Thus the term "nonrigid" is used to distinguish today's blimps from the metal zeppelins of the early 1900s.
The MetLife blimp is illuminated from nose to tail by two special ultra-high efficiency 1000 watt lamps mounted inside of the top of the envelope. The envelope produces an enormous amount of light, providing dramatic nighttime visibility of the blimp. Our corporate logo “MetLife” is exhibited on one side of the envelope. The opposite side displays MetLife's new ad campaign tagline, "for the if in life." Snoopy, dressed as the World War I Flying Ace, is also depicted on both sides of the blimps.
"Snoopy One" & "Snoopy Two" (2.58mb)
The MetLife blimp's tear-drop shape is maintained by regulating the internal pressure of the helium gas which fills the envelope. Centrally located inside the envelope is an igloo-shaped air chamber called the ballonet. The ballonet expands and contracts to compensate for changes in the helium volume due to varying temperature and altitude. The pilot controls the ballonet, so there is no need to "valve off" the expensive helium gas.
Helium has been used as a lifting gas in airships for more than 50 years. It is an inert element that is often found in natural gas deposits. Helium is the gas of choice because it is non-flammable and therefore one of the safest lifting agents available.
"Snoopy Two" on Mast & Tanks of Helium (30.4mb)
When on the ground, the blimp is secured to a stationary pole erected at the landing area called the mooring mast. A rigid nose dish is mounted on the front of the envelope and is attached to the mooring mast when the ship is grounded. When moored in this manner, the blimp can move freely around the mast as the wind changes directions, while remaining fully secure. Also attached to the nose dish are the nose lines which are used by the ground crew to maneuver the blimp during takeoffs and landings, and to keep the ship steady during passenger exchanges.
The tail fins control flight direction. They are anchored to the envelope at the rear of the ship and are supported by guide wires. The elevators and rudders (which also assist in guiding the blimp's movement) are mounted to the fins' edges with hinges. The pilot can control the pitch and direction of the blimp by manipulating the elevators (which move up and down) and the rudders (which can move the airship left and right).
The pilot and passenger compartment is called the gondola. It contains a number of lead shot bags which are constantly adjusted, depending on analysis of conditions made by the crew. The payload (weight) of the flight dictates how many lead shot bags are to be used. Normally, the airship is flown slightly weighted down or "heavy."
"Snoopy Two" Gondola (29.6kb)
The blimp's flight schedule is often dependent on weather. The pilot and blimp crew constantly monitor weather conditions. The pilot's instrument panel features sophisticated navigational and communications equipment. During flight, the pilot maintains radio contact with both the ground crew and airport control towers.
Blimp Instrument Panel (34.3kb)
In addition to the sophisticated technology, there is a dedicated 14-member crew that travels with the blimp. The crew is comprised of two pilots and a 12-member ground crew. At least one crew member monitors the ship 24-hours-a day, making hourly envelope and ballast checks to ensure that proper equilibrium is maintained.
Crew Trailers that travel with the Blimp (26.8kb)
More Blimp Facts & More Photos!
Blimp Facts
| Length |
130 ft. |
| Width |
38 ft. |
| Height |
45 ft. |
| Volume |
68,000 cubic ft. of helium |
| Gross Weight |
4,400 lbs. |
| Passenger Capacity |
3 passengers plus one pilot |
| Gondola Length |
14 ft. |
| Cabin Length |
9.5 ft |
| Cabin Height |
6.5 ft |
| Power |
Two Rotax engines; 80 HP each. |
| Speed |
Cruising 35 mph; maximum 55 mph |
| Rate of Climb |
1,600 ft. per minute maximum |
| Altitude |
1,000 -1,500 ft. at cruise; maximum 7,000 ft. |
| Envelope |
Laminated polyester synthetic fabric and plastic film |
| Markings |
The MetLife blimps are permanently decaled with the corporate logo "MetLife" on one side. On the opposite side, Snoopy One is decaled with the corporate tagline "have you met life today?" and Snoopy Two is decaled with MetLife’s new ad campaign tagline, “for the if in life.” Snoopy, dressed as a World War I Flying Ace, is depicted on both sides of the blimps. |
| Internal Illumination |
Twin 1000watt lamps, top center. |
Front of Propeller (31.7kb)
Rear view of Propeller (36.7kb)
Back Panel of Gondola (32kb)
