The Goodyear Blimp, one of the world’s most recognizable aircraft, is now available to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! This exciting new release builds upon Goodyear’s century-long innovation legacy. In the 1900s, the rubberized materials Goodyear manufactured to produce its tires were used to engineer balloons, which eventually progressed into airships for military use and, later, into the iconic Goodyear Blimp we know today. Now with its first appearance in Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s kicking off its latest chapter with players.
This release comes on the heels of Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update 22: US National Parks which features over 30 National Parks and Monuments. And with the Goodyear Blimp, simmers can now float over these majestic locations like never before at cruising speeds that let them really take in the beauty of these beautiful natural wonders like Death Valley National Park, Olympic National Park, Acadia National Park, and Mount Hood National Forest.
“The inclusion of the Goodyear Blimp in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is perfectly timed – as we are celebrating the 250th birthday and the natural beauty of the United States with World Update 22,” says Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann. “The famous Goodyear Blimp is the perfect aircraft to take in the stunning and varied landscapes of America as well as 36 of its National Parks from the skies.”
The modern Goodyear Blimp is based on Germany’s Zeppelin New Technology (NT), a helium-filled, semi-rigid airship that uses an internal framework for support, unlike a traditional nonrigid blimp. Goodyear transitioned its fleet to this state-of-the-art airship in 2014, ensuring the future of this powerful symbol of technology and innovation that defines the brand today.
The aircraft combines a carbon-fiber-and-aluminum internal structure, computer-controlled flight surfaces, three vectored-thrust engines, fly-by-wire controls, and a configurable gondola carrying up to 14 people. It measures roughly 246 feet long, can remain airborne for more than 22 hours, has a 600-mile range, and reaches a maximum speed of 73 mph.
To learn more about how thrilling it is to have the Goodyear Blimp arrive in Microsoft Flight Simulator, we spoke with the company’s Chief Pilot of Training & Safety Standards Adam Basaran, about his reactions to seeing the aircraft in-sim, favorite locations for sightseeing, and what makes flying over stadiums such a memorable airship experience.
Chief Pilot of Training & Safety Standards Adam Basaran – “The visuals look amazing! Wingfoot Two was captured exactly how it looks in real life, even including the LED sign computer keyboard in the left side pilot storage cubby.”
Basaran – “The visuals captured the textures of the material design of the actual airship.”
Basaran – “Pay attention to the feeling of being suspended in space over an event (pick your favorite stadium) or location without spending a lot of mechanical energy like an airplane or helicopter.“
Basaran – “The airship has a lot of mass compared to the amount of HP to move it. It’s close to 20,000 lbs. and has 600 total HP. There is a lag between control and engine imputes and seeing the ship respond so be patient. Think of flying the blimp like you would captaining a large ship on the ocean.”
Basaran – “The wind makes a big difference when you’re operating an airship due to their relatively slow speed. Find the best altitude to maximize tail winds or minimize headwinds.”
Basaran – “Logans Pass in Glacier National Park.”
Basaran – “The visuals look very similar to real life. Enough to use it to scout out unfamiliar event locations before flying them in the actual blimp.”
“I would recommend departing our home base at Wingfoot Lake (4OH6) in Mogadore, Ohio and taking a short flight to the historic Akron Air Dock at Akron Fulton Airport.”
Basaran – “The Goodyear Blimp is so quiet over a college football event that we can hear the marching band playing at half time and the crowd roaring with each score.”
Basaran – “There is no better way to see the world than by blimp. It will make simmers take their time and enjoy the journey.”
From scenic landmarks to packed stadiums, the Goodyear Blimp offers a distinctly unique way to explore the world of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 You can learn more about World Update 22 here on MicrosoftFlightSimulator.com and start flying today! The sky is calling!
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.