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1.
TAIL
Earlier-model blimps: Aligned in "+" formation; vertical control
surfaces called rudders and horizontal control surfaces called elevators.
Rudders controlled left-to-right movement; elevators controlled up-and-down.
Today's blimp's: Aligned in "x" formation; each piece of the
tail contributes to guiding the vertical and horizontal direction of the
blimp; because they are combination rudders and elevators, they are sometimes
called "ruddervators"
2.
ENVELOPE: Holds the helium that makes the blimp lighter than
air; made of two-ply polyester fabric
3.
BALLONETS: Air bags inside the envelope that helps maintain
a constant pressure
4.
CATENARY CURTAIN: Cemented to the inside of the envelope, it
supports the blimp with cables
5.
NOSE CONE BATTENS: Support blimp's nose; also used to help with
anchoring
6.
SECONDARY MOORING: Used to secure blimp to the top of the ground
crew's bus
7.
AIR VALVES: Let air escape from ballonet to maintain envelope
pressure
8.
GONDOLA: Seats eight passengers and two pilots
9.
RAILING: Allows ground crew to hold blimp during take off and
landing; crew also uses it to "weigh" blimp before take off to determine
the amount of ballast needed to compensate for fuel that will be burned
during the trip; crew grabs railing on both sides of gondola and lets go
in unison -- if blimp rises, it is light; if it drops, it's heavy
10.
LANDING GEAR: One retractable wheel helps steady the blimp during
landing procedures
11.
TURBINE ENGINES: Provide blimp's thrust; they rotate, giving
the pilot greater control over the blimp's movement |
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