Identification

• Blimps are filled with lighter than air gases that give them lift. Most modern blimps use helium rather than hydrogen---which, while the lightest of all gases, is also highly flammable.
  
  

History

• In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers of Annonay, France, became the first humans to travel by using a gas---hot air, which rises as it gets warmer. Instead of an egg-shaped blimp, the Montgolfier brothers used a large balloon.
  
  

The Hindenburg

• The Hindenburg tragedy led to modern blimps abandoning the use of hydrogen. On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg's hydrogen supply exploded in just 34 seconds after a small fire on board on the craft.
  
  

Features

• In order to keep a blimp's helium from making it float away, an extremely strong latch attaches to the mast to the blimp. Blimps are strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  
  

Fun Fact

• One of the most famous blimps, the Goodyear blimp, can travel up to 53 mph; a typical trip lasts about eight hours for a distance of 300 miles.