The iconic Goodyear Blimp is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Despite the rise of drone technology, the puffy airship continues to be a staple of televised sporting events—it was in its usual position high in the sky above the Daytona 500 yesterday as its popularity shows no signs of waning.
The company’s three US-based blimps, which reside in California, Florida, and Ohio, reach a top speed of 73 mph and have room for 12 passengers. Goodyear might be getting more company in the domain of majestically floating air vehicles in the coming years, though—Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s airship company is making progress toward reviving the passenger airship.—DL