Editing Zeppelin NT

{{Short description|Class of airship}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Zeppelin NT
 |image= Zeppellin_NT_amk.JPG
 |caption=Zeppelin NT ''D–LZZF'' in flight (2010)
 |type= Utility airship
 |national_origin= Germany
 |manufacturer= [[Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= 18 September 1997
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status=
 |primary_user=
 |more_users=
 |produced=
 |number_built= 7
 |variants=
}}
[[File:2003-07-26 18-54-50 Germany Baden-Württemberg Hirschlatt.JPG|right|thumb|View from cockpit of a Zeppelin NT]]

The '''Zeppelin NT''' (''"'''N'''eue '''T'''echnologie"'', [[German language|German]] for ''new technology'') is a class of helium-filled [[airship]]s being manufactured since the 1990s by the German company [[Luftschiffbau Zeppelin|Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH]] (ZLT) in [[Friedrichshafen]].<ref name="nt"/> The initial model is the N07. The company considers itself the successor of the companies founded by [[Ferdinand von Zeppelin]] which constructed and operated the very successful [[Zeppelin]] airships in the first third of the 20th century. There are, however, a number of notable differences between the Zeppelin NT and original Zeppelins as well as between the Zeppelin NT and usual non-rigid airships known as [[blimp]]s. The Zeppelin NT is classified as a [[semi-rigid airship]].<ref>[http://www.zeppelinflug.de/seiten/E/zeppnt_faqs.htm "FAQs - Zeppelin vs. blimp".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607163840/http://www.zeppelinflug.de/seiten/E/zeppnt_faqs.htm |date=June 7, 2008 }} ''Zeppelinflug'', Retrieved: 13 January 2011.</ref>

There are various roles for the Zeppelin NT; traditional roles have been aerial tourism purposes and for conducting passenger services. The hull surfaces of the aircraft have also been used for [[advertising]] purposes. The Zeppelin NT have also been used for observation platforms, such as for [[aerial photography|aerial photographer]]s and by television commentators covering major events. Due to their capability for low-vibration flight for up to 24 hours at a time, ZLT considers the airships suitable for research missions for environmental observation, [[troposphere]] research and natural resource prospecting.

==Development==
The modern development and construction embodied by the Zeppelin NT had been financed by a long-standing endowment, which had been initially funded with money left over from the earlier Zeppelin company, that had been under the trusteeship of the Mayor of [[Friedrichshafen]]. A stipulation had been placed upon the endowment that limited the use of its funds to the field of airships. Over the many years, the investment value of the endowment grew to a point where it had become viable for the funds to be put to use for the purpose of designing, developing, and constructing of a new generation of Zeppelins.

In 1988, the first considerations into the technological and economic feasibility of reviving the Zeppelin industry began; this included examinations of historic Zeppelin documentation as well as current designs for airships.<ref name = "off hist">[http://zeppelin-nt.de/en/zeppelin-NT/history.html "History: From first concept, to series production."] ''Zeppelin NT'', Retrieved: 7 July 2016.</ref> In December 1990, a feasibility study and accompanying market research program found an initial sales potential for around eighty Zeppelin airships for purposes such as tourism, advertising, and scientific research. In mid 1991, the newly formed development team filed several patents on various technologies that would be later used on the subsequent airship, these included propeller arrangements, structure and girder design, and [[ballonet]] implementation.<ref name = "off hist"/> In March 1991, a flyable remote control [[proof of concept]] model was demonstrated, which is claimed to have revealed excellent flight characteristics from the onset.<ref name = "off hist"/>

In September 1993, the Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH (ZLT) was founded in Friedrichshafen as a corporate spin-off of the original Zeppelin company to pursue development and production of the new generation of Zeppelins, later known as the Zeppelin NT (New Technology). By spring 1994, preparatory studies for a full-sized prototype were underway.<ref name = "off hist"/> In 1995, the [[Luftfahrt-Bundesamt]], Germany's [[civil aviation authority]], officially recognized ZLT as a design organisation, and approved new construction regulations for airships. In November 1995, final assembly of the first airship prototype commenced, it was promoted as being the first rigid airship to be produced by the firm since the [[Second World War]].<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/zeppelin-prototype-enters-final-assembly-23185/ "Zeppelin prototype enters final assembly."] ''Flight International'', 22 November 1995.</ref> In July 1996, the under-construction prototype of the Zeppelin N07 was presented to the public and the media.<ref name = "off hist"/> In September 1997, the prototype performed its [[maiden flight]] at Friedrichshafen; piloted by US test pilot Scott Danneker, it flew for a total of 40 minutes.<ref name = "off hist"/><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/zeppelin-flies-nt-airship-prototype-24865/ "Zeppelin flies NT airship prototype."] ''Flight International'', 8 October 1997.</ref>

On 8 August 1998, the Zeppelin N07 prototype performed a cross-country flight via [[Altenrhein]], [[Switzerland]] to [[Echterdingen]] near [[Stuttgart]], Germany; at the end of this journey, the prototype also accomplished its first [[Mooring mast|masting]] away from Friedrichshafen upon landing at [[Stuttgart Airport]].<ref name = "off hist"/> The test program included noise level measurements, avionics tests, and take-offs and landings. In October 1999, the prototype completed a {{cvt|680|km|mi}} journey, its longest distance flight at that point. According to the manufacturer, the Zeppelin N07 prototype had proven the technical design by mid 1998, and thus could be applied to production models without major modifications.<ref name = "off hist"/>

On 2 July 2000, the centennial of the first [[Zeppelin]] flight, the prototype was christened ''D-LZFN Friedrichshafen'' by Count Zeppelin's granddaughter, Elisabeth Veil.<ref name = "off hist"/> In July 2000, the prototype performed a high-profile tour of Germany, travelled more than {{cvt|3600|km|mi}} in about 75 flight hours and appearing at the [[Expo 2000]] at [[Hannover]]. By December 2000, the flight test programme was completed; during which, the prototype had accumulated in excess of 800 flight hours over roughly 220 flights.<ref name = "off hist"/> In June 2001, the prototype appeared at the [[Paris Air Show]], the occasion being the first time that a Zeppelin had cruised above [[Paris]] since the 1920s.<ref name = "off hist"/><ref>Delves, Bernie. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/zeppelin-back-with-a-bounce-131765/ "Zeppelin back with a bounce."] ''Flight International'', 18 June 2001.</ref>

In May 1999, the production of the components for the first production airship was started.<ref name = "off hist"/> In February 2000, the support structure assembly of the first series airship was completed, while the envelope was attached to the support structure in May that year.<ref name = "off hist"/> In 2001, the company formally commenced series manufacturing of the Zeppelin NT, and began the commercial exploitation of the airships. In April 2001, the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt issued [[type certification]] for the Zeppelin N07, a key step towards commercial operations; that same month, ZLT became a certified airship-manufacturing company.<ref name = "off hist"/> On 19 May 2001, the first production airship conducted its maiden flight, flying for two and a half hours. On 10 August 2001, the first production airship ''SN 02'' was christened ''D-LZZR Bodensee'' by [[Carl, Duke of Württemberg]]; five days later, it began providing commercial passenger services, initially involving one-hour sightseeing flights over [[Lake Constance]] to members of the public up to ten times per day.<ref name = "off hist"/>

==Design==

===Overview===
[[File:2003-07-26 16-49-36 Germany Baden-Württemberg Unterailingen.JPG|thumb|Zeppelin NT ''D-LZZR'' at the airport in Friedrichshafen, 2003]]
The Zeppelin NT series are a family of ''semi-rigid'' [[airship]]s, combining the design principles of rigid airships and [[blimp]]s together.<ref name = "Sträter 547">Sträter 2012, p. 547.</ref> The Zeppelin N07, the base model and most commonly constructed to date, are {{convert|75|m|ft}} long, with a volume of {{convert|8225|m3|cuft}}.<ref name="nt">{{Cite web|last=Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH |year=2008 |url=http://www.zeppelin-nt.de/pages/E/luftsch_u_zepp.htm |title=Das Luftschiff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510001107/http://www.zeppelin-nt.de/pages/E/luftsch_u_zepp.htm |archive-date=10 May 2007 }}</ref><ref name = "Sträter 548"/> They are thus considerably smaller than the old Zeppelins, which reached a maximum volume of {{convert|200000|m3|cuft|abbr=on}}, such as the [[LZ 129 Hindenburg|LZ 129 ''Hindenburg'']]. Furthermore, they are inflated exclusively with the non-flammable [[noble gas]] [[helium]], rather than with [[hydrogen]].<ref name = "cnn 2014"/><ref name = "tech">[http://zeppelin-nt.de/en/zeppelin-NT/technology.html "Technology: Highest level of comfort, with maximum safety."] ''Zeppelin NT'', Retrieved: 7 July 2016.</ref>

The Zeppelin NT, being designed more than 60 years after the last generation of Zeppelins were built as well as making use of advances in [[material science]] and [[computer-aided design]], has been claimed to overcome some of the typical disadvantages of airships, such as maneuverability, safety, and economics.<ref name = "Sträter 547"/> In particular, the propulsion system offers significantly increased safety.<ref name = "Sträter 547"/> In standard operations with a maximum payload, the gas cells do not create enough [[buoyancy]] to make the whole ship "lighter-than-air." The negative buoyancy is overcome with the application of engine power. The buoyancy can change when traveling with a reduced payload and partially emptied fuel tanks, but typically the Zeppelin NT starts a journey with a net downward force of about {{convert|3000|N|lbf}}; on long trips, the airship can become lighter–than–air if much of its fuel is consumed.

The design typically has a range of some {{convert|900|km|mi}} and reaches top speeds of {{convert|125|km/h|mph}}. The standard cruising speed of {{convert|70|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} for tourist flights can be attained using the rear propeller only. Standard operational altitude is {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=on}}, but up to {{convert|2600|m|ft|abbr=on}} is possible. Their maximum permitted takeoff weight is {{convert|10960|kg|lb}}, with a payload of {{convert|1900|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. A long endurance system can also be installed for extended range and longer flight times.<ref name = "off hist"/>

===Hull and structure===
The Zeppelin NT is a ''semi-rigid'' airship. It is unlike both the original Zeppelins that had a rigid skeleton and non-rigid blimps. It has an internal triangular [[truss]] made of [[graphite-reinforced plastic]] and three longitudinal girders made of welded [[aluminium]] which connect the triangular elements along the length of the frame.<ref>Sträter 2012, pp. 559–561.</ref> Additionally, the structure is tightened with [[aramid]] cords to provide for extra rigidity. All major components, such as the engines, control cabin and the steering fins, are mounted upon the structure; this allows maneuverability to be maintained even in the event of envelope pressure being lost. The whole structure weighs only about {{convert|1000|kg|lb}}.<ref name = "Sträter 548">Sträter 2012, p. 548.</ref><ref name = "tech"/>

The envelope contains the lighter-than-air helium which gives the airship its buoyancy. Inside historical Zeppelins, the gas cells were separate entities from the hull; however, on the Zeppelin NT, the envelope serves both as the aircraft's hull and as the gas cell. It is made of a three-layered [[laminate]]: one gas-tight layer of [[Polyvinyl fluoride|Tedlar]] (PVF), one [[polyester]] fabric layer to provide stability and one [[polyurethane]] layer suitable for [[plastic welding]] that acts to connect the separate laminate panels. To preserve its outer form, a slight overpressure of about {{convert|5|mb|psi}} is maintained within the hull. As in [[blimp]]s, the interior pressure is kept constant at all flight altitudes by using [[ballonet]]s. The ballonets have a total volume of {{convert|2000|m3|cuft}}.<ref name = "tech"/><ref>[http://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/amd1213-goodyear-iconic-airship/ "Goodyear Blimp NT Takes Shape."] ''Aerospace Manufacturing and Design'', 12 December 2013.</ref>

On the external surfaces of the Zeppelin NT are several equipment attachment points, including multiple [[hardpoint]]s present for the purpose of installing cameras of up to 65&nbsp;kg weight; an optional nose-mounted boom can be installed for attaching sensor equipment or scientific probes. Payloads can also be suspended underneath the airship via a [[cargo hook (helicopter)|cargo hook]] arrangement using the floor hatch present in the cabin.<ref name = "Sträter 556">Sträter 2012, p. 556.</ref> Due to the [[center of gravity]] and the location of the cabin being different, two sets of non-retractable [[landing gear]] are installed on the underside of the airship, the forward set being directly attached to the cabin's underside and the aft set upon the primary structure itself.<ref name = "Sträter 565-566">Sträter 2012, pp. 565–566.</ref>

===Propulsion and steering===
[[File:Farmers-ZeppelinNT.jpg|right|thumb|Side thrusters visible on approach]]
Power for the Zeppelin NT's propulsion systems is provided by a trio of {{convert|147|kW|hp|adj=on}} [[Lycoming O-360|Textron Lycoming IO-360]] [[Flat-four engine|boxer aviation engines]], fueled by standard [[aviation gasoline]]. These engines are mounted on the sides and rear of the structure itself to provide optimum efficiency; this arrangement also increases in-flight comfort due to reduced levels of propeller noise and vibration.<ref name = "tech"/> In addition to thrust, each engine also provides maneuverability via their swiveling propellers; the two forward engines are equipped with [[hydraulics|hydraulically]]-actuated tilting propellers which are usually aligned horizontally, but can be turned 90° upward or 30° downward, while the aft engine powers a fixed lateral propeller.<ref name = "tech"/><ref>Sträter 2012, pp. 566–568, 572.</ref> Each engine is furnished with separate fuel tanks and supply systems that typically operate independently of one another.<ref name = "Sträter 568-570">Sträter 2012, pp. 568–570.</ref>

The swiveling propellers have been claimed to have provided the Zeppelin NT with unique flight characteristics, such as being able to hover precisely, fly backwards, take off vertically, and turn on its axis. The functionality of the swiveling propellers allows the Zeppelin NT to carry out both take-offs and landing operations entirely in the vertical plane. During such operations, only three ground personnel are required, lowering costs and minimizing turnaround times as a consequence.<ref name = "tech"/><ref name = "Sträter 566">Sträter 2012, p. 566.</ref> In 2010, development of an improved propeller capable of quieter operation was completed.<ref name = "off hist"/>

Instead of four [[rudder]] and elevator fins set on the airship's empennage, the Zeppelin NT uses only three identical fins; one fin being set at the top with the others offset at an angle of 120 degrees to either side of the top fin.<ref name = "Sträter 563">Sträter 2012, p. 563.</ref> This arrangement not only saves weight, but as a side effect, the loss of one fin can be compensated with the remaining two. The aerodynamically balanced rudders are equipped with independent electrical actuators.<ref name = "Sträter 563"/>

===Cockpit and cabin===
[[File:2003-07-26 18-06-46 Germany Baden-Württemberg Hagnau.JPG|right|thumb|Instrument Panel of Zeppelin NT ''D–LZZR'' (2003)]]
The two-man cockpit of the Zeppelin NT is equipped with modern avionics systems and provides similar levels of external visibility to that of a helicopter. The flight controls make use of [[fly-by-wire]] technology to reduce physical demands upon the pilot as well as enable the execution of precision maneuvers; the pilot uses a single [[joystick]] to steer the airship across the three dimensions.<ref name = "tech"/><ref name = "Sträter 570-571">Sträter 2012, pp. 570–571.</ref> The Zeppelin NT is certified for single pilot operations; the second seat is often used by a [[flight attendant]] during tourist operations.<ref name = "Sträter 564">Sträter 2012, p. 564.</ref> Elements of the airship's avionics, including navigation, communication, and air data systems, can be directly interfaced with the mission support systems; an 8kVA additional electrical power system is also present.<ref name = "Sträter 556"/> In early 2012, ZLT and Goodyear signed an agreement to replace the Zeppelin NT's instrumentation and display systems, upgrading the cockpit to feature a [[glass cockpit]].<ref>[https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/article/16716977/avionics-displays-and-processing-units-for-zeppelin-nt-airships-to-be-provided-by-barco DISPLAYS: Avionics displays and processing units for Zeppelin NT airships to be provided by Barco] ''Military Aerospace'', 19 April 2021.</ref>

The base model of the Zeppelin NT has a passenger capacity of 12 in addition to a crew of two; alternatively, it is capable of lifting payloads of up to {{convert|1900|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. In contrast, the original Zeppelin designs carried over a hundred passengers and crew, with a nearly even ratio of passengers to crew members.<ref>[http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/coming%20of%20age/zeppelin_ships.htm "Zeppelin passenger ships."] ''Century of Flight'', Retrieved: 14 January 2011.</ref> The Zeppelin NT has been equipped with a variable cabin structure, allowing it to be quickly changed for various purposes and missions.<ref name = "tech"/> Entrance and egress of the cabin for both cargo and passengers is provided by a pair of large hinged floor-level doors.<ref name = "Sträter 564"/> In a passenger configuration, up to 13 seats equipped with [[seatbelt]]s may be installed along with heating/[[air conditioning]] systems, a [[kitchenette]], and a [[Aircraft lavatory|restroom]] in the rear cabin area; large wraparound windows are also present to provide panoramic views of the outside.<ref name = "cnn 2014">Patterson, Thom. [http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/03/travel/goodyear-zeppelin-blimp/index.html?hpt=hp_c4 "Goodyear tests its bigger, faster Zeppelin 'blimp'."] ''CCN'', 3 April 2014.</ref><ref>Sträter 2012, p. 556, 564.</ref> Amongst the possible seating configurations, more luxurious [[VIP]] layouts are also available. Alternatively, mission equipment can be installed in the cabin area.<ref name = "Sträter 564-565">Sträter 2012, pp. 564–565.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Zeppelin nt dlr.jpg|thumb|The [[German Aerospace Center|DLR]] Zeppelin NT was used to study traffic patterns.]]
Seven Zeppelin NTs have been built to date.

===''D-LZFN, Friedrichshafen''===
[[File:Zeppelin NT N07 (D-LZFN), Friedrichshafen.jpg|thumb|Zeppelin NT (D-LZFN) of [[Friedrichshafen]]]]
The prototype Zeppelin NT (SN 01), ''D-LZFN, Friedrichshafen'', was intended to be used for training pilots for special flights and for presentations. During the [[Oktoberfest]] of 2002 a Zeppelin NT was used for radio experiments in connection with the European [[Galileo positioning system]] project for the [[German Aerospace Center]] and the [[ESA]]. It was intended that all further ships would be used commercially or sold. As a tribute to the days of [[Zeppelin mail]], a number of mail-carrying flights were planned. [[Steve Fossett]] and [[Paul Stroehle]] set the current speed record for airships over a distance of one kilometer on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 in [[Friedrichshafen]], [[Germany]] with a Zeppelin NT. The new world record was set to {{convert|111.8|km/h|mph}}, an improvement of {{cvt|19|km/h|mph}}.

Starting in late 2005 the ''Friedrichshafen'' was based in Jwaneng, a [[diamond]] mining town in southern [[Botswana]], where it conducted an airborne geophysical survey on behalf of [[De Beers]] Prospecting Botswana. The airship was moved from Amsterdam to Cape Town by ship and then flown to Gaborone where a Lockheed Martin full tensor [[gravity gradiometer]] was installed.<ref>Sträter 2012, pp. 558–559.</ref>  This instrument, owned and operated by Bell Geospace, measures changes in the Earth's gravity field associated with geological density variations. The technology is based on accelerometers and the data quality is sensitive to the turbulence and motion usually associated with fixed wing aircraft installations. The airship, flying slowly at night in relatively cool calm air, provides a very stable and vibrationally quiet platform. The resulting data is capable of revealing the rather faint gravity signals associated with [[Kimberlite pipes]] – a source of diamonds – buried under the [[Kalahari]] sands. This survey came to an end on 20 September 2007, when ''D-LZFN'' was irreparably damaged by a whirlwind while moored at its mast.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andreas|date=2007-09-20|title=Airshipworld Blog: Zeppelin NT prototype damaged - while moored [5th update]|url=https://airshipworld.blogspot.com/2007/09/zeppelin-nt-prototype-damaged.html|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Airshipworld Blog}}</ref>

Registration number ''D-LZFN'', was later given to SN 02 when it returned from Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Zeppelin/Zeppelin-LZ-N07-100/2130469/ |title=Picture of the Zeppelin LZ N07-100 Airship aircraft |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref>

===''D-LZZR, Bodensee''===
[[File:2003-07-26 17-48-25 Germany Baden-Württemberg Löwental.JPG|thumb|Airship ''D-LZZR'' during low level flight, 2003]]
The second Zeppelin NT and first production model (SN 02) was named D-LZZR ''Bodensee'' and began the first commercial tourist operations on August 15, 2001 by [[Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei]] (DZR). On March 2, 2004 the DZR sold it to ''Nippon Airship Corporation'' in Japan. Transferred in June 2004, it was to have followed the historical route of the 1929 World Tour of the famous dirigible [[LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin|LZ127 ''Graf Zeppelin'']]. After problems with [[Russia]]n authorities (unattested air security), a special ship for huge parts from the [[Netherlands]] was chartered and the Zeppelin was shipped from [[Italy]] to [[Japan]] by sea.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.zeppelinflug.de/seiten/D/zeppnt_histo.htm | work = Zeppelin Luftschiffteknik | language = de | title = Von der ersten Idee bis zur Serienproduktion – Die chronologische Entwicklung des Zeppelin NT Projektes | date= January 26, 2011}}</ref> The company used the airship mainly for tours and advertising. In May 2010, due to economic problems at Nippon Airship Corporation, the SN 02 was shipped back to Germany. The craft regained her old name ''Bodensee'' and resumed passenger operations in 2012.<ref name = "off hist"/> In winter 2015–16, ''Bodensee'' was rebuilt to -101 configuration, with its passenger capacity increased to 14.<ref name = "new variant"/>

===''D-LZZF, Baden-Württemberg''===
The third Zeppelin NT (SN03) and second production model, designated ''D-LZZF, Baden-Württemberg'', first flew in February 2003. It is currently flown in revenue passenger service by the DZR.<ref name = "off hist"/> It was painted in Goodyear colors for the summer season 2010 to promote a new joint venture between Goodyear and the Zeppelin Luftschiffbau, the first in 70 years.<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=D-LZZF Airliners.net]</ref>

===''D-LZNT, Eureka''===
In January 2006, the ''Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik'' GmbH announced the start of construction of a fourth Zeppelin N07. In 2007, it was optioned by California-based [[Airship Ventures]].<ref>{{citation | publisher = Air Ship Ventures | url = http://www.airshipventures.com/pressreleases.html | date = 25 June 2007 | title = Press release on NT #4 option}}.</ref> On 21 May 2008, the new airship completed its first flight.<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.airshipventures.com/pr_08_05_21.html | publisher = Air Ship Ventures | title = Press release | date = 21 May 2008}}.</ref> Between July and September 2008, the airship, registered ''D-LZNT'', operated sightseeing and pleasure flights over eastern London and the [[Thames Estuary]] from an airfield close to [[Upminster]], in [[Essex]], England, advertising [[Stella Artois]] beer and the [[Portman Group#Drinkaware Trust|DrinkAware]] responsible alcohol use campaign.<ref>Dodson, Sean. [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2008/jun/05/greentech.transport "Could Zeppelin's airships soon be gracing our skies again?."] ''The Guardian'', 5 June 2008.</ref> The [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) issued the [[type certificate]] for the Zeppelin N07, allowing the airship to fly legally in the United States. In late September 2008, the airship arrived at the [[Port of Beaumont]], Texas; after spending three days tethered at the [[Southeast Texas Regional Airport]], the airship flew cross-country to its base at [[Moffett Federal Airfield]].<ref>{{citation | publisher = Beaumont Enterprise | date = 8 December 2008 | url = http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/airship_to_make_appearance_in_beaumont_08-12-2008.html | title = Airship to make appearance in Beaumont}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2007-06-22-zeppelin-airship_N.htm | work=USA Today | title= Zeppelin revival over skies of San Francisco | date= 22 June 2007}}</ref> Upon its arrival, the airship was given the US registration ''N704LZ'', and was christened ''Eureka'' (after the California state motto). In November 2008, Airship Ventures began commercial operations, offering flightseeing tours over the [[San Francisco]] and [[Monterey Bay]] areas, operating both out of Moffett Field and Oakland Terminal. On 14 November 2012, Airship Ventures ceased operations and grounded ''Eureka''. ''Eureka'' was disassembled and shipped back to Germany.<ref>{{citation |publisher = Air Ship Ventures |url = http://www.airshipventures.com |date = 14 November 2012 |title = Airship Ventures has ceased Flight Operations}}.</ref> In 2019-2020, ''D-LZNT'' was rebuilt to N07-101 -standard and brought back to service, with a completely new gondola for 16 passengers and crew. <ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nzz.ch/mobilitaet/luftfahrt/zeppelin-nt-jahrgang-2020-eine-neue-fliegende-zigarre-ld.1545320 | work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung | title= Eine neue fliegende Zigarre}}</ref>

===Goodyear===
[[File:Goodyear Zeppelin NT at Mast.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]]'s ''Wingfoot One'', a model LZ N07-101, shown here prior to its christening]]
On 3 May 2011, Goodyear confirmed their intentions to reinstate their long-lost partnership with Zeppelin. Goodyear placed an order for three Zeppelin NT LZ N07-101 models with plans to start operation in January 2014.<ref name="zep511">{{cite press release | url=http://www.zeppelinflug.de/dateien/pressemitteilungen/E/goodyearorders3zeppelinnt.pdf | title=Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik Lands Largest Contract in its History | publisher=Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH | date=3 May 2011 | access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/05/04/goodyear_zeppelins_return_at_last/page2.html | title=Goodyear: Zeppelins return at last | date=4 June 2011 | publisher=The Register | place=UK}}</ref> The Zeppelin NT is the successor to Goodyear's non-rigid airship, the [[GZ-20]] in Goodyear airship advertising.  Goodyear's first zeppelin, ''Wingfoot One'',<ref name=abj20140823>{{cite news |first=Rich |last=Heldenfels |title=A new blimp is christened: Wingfoot One makes its formal debut |url=http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/a-new-blimp-is-christened-wingfoot-one-makes-its-formal-debut-1.516155 |work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |date=23 August 2014 |access-date=24 August 2014 }}</ref> was unveiled on 14 March 2014 and is currently stationed in [[Pompano Beach, Florida]], USA. The second zeppelin, ''Wingfoot Two'' made its maiden flight on 12 March 2016. ''Wingfoot Two'' is stationed in [[Carson, California]].<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/GoodyearBlimp/posts/10153847587915168 "Goodyear Blimp added 7 new photos — at Wingfoot Lake Airship Base."] ''Facebook'', 12 March 2016.</ref> The third zeppelin, ''Wingfoot Three'' made its maiden flight on 25 June 2018 and will be permanently stationed in [[Suffield Township, Portage County, Ohio|Suffield Township, Ohio]].<ref name="buildablimp">{{cite news | url=http://buildablimp.webs.com/goodyear-s-zeppelin-plan | title=Goodyear's Zeppelin plan and how they are going to phase out their current fleet of GZ-20s | work=buildablimp | date=1 August 2015 | access-date=1 August 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ewinger, James|date=14 March 2014|title=Goodyear rolls out newest blimp with the help of Zeppelin|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/03/embargoed_ship.html|work=[[The Plain Dealer]] via Cleveland.com|publisher=Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group|access-date=21 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721064802/http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/03/embargoed_ship.html|archive-date=21 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Goodyear's new Wingfoot Three takes to the skies |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/akron/business/goodyears-new-wingfoot-three-on-its-maiden-flight |access-date=6 May 2020 |work=Akron Beacon Journal |date=25 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

===Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei===
In January 2001, ZLG founded the ''[[Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei]]'' (DZR)  (German for ''German Zeppelin shipping company'') as a subsidiary. Since 15 August 2001, DZR has offered aerial sightseeing tours using a number of Zeppelin NT airships; in June 2010, the 100,000th passenger was carried, less than nine years after commercial operations were launched.<ref name = "off hist"/> In March 2004, DZR became the first company in the world to receive certification as a flight school for airships, initially providing such services to the Japanese Nippon Airship Corporation.<ref name = "off hist"/>

{{clear}}

==Variants==
;LZ N07-100
:Original production version.<ref name = "nt14 announce"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zeppelin NT - program supplier guide {{!}} Airframer |url=https://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=Zeppelin_NT |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=www.airframer.com}}</ref>
;LZ N07-101
:Slightly improved version produced since 2011. New avionics and slightly longer gondola increasing max passenger capacity to 14.<ref name = "new variant">{{cite web |url=http://www.zeppelin-nt.de/en/zeppelin-companies/press/press-releases.html?file=files/content/6_0_Unternehmen/6_6_Presse/6_6_1_Pressemitteilungen/downloads/de/2016/2016-04-07_Neue-Version-ZeppelinNT-fuer-Passagierbetrieb-zugelassen.pdf|title=New version for passenger operations |publisher = Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH |date = 7 April 2016}}</ref> Goodyear ships are seated for ten passengers, with addition of on-board toilet.
;Zeppelin NT 14
:Planned larger, 19-seat aircraft. The "14" comes from the {{convert|14000|m3|ML|abbr=off}} of envelope volume.<ref name = "nt14 announce">{{cite web |url=http://www.zeppelinflug.de/dateien/pressemitteilungen/E/newairship.pdf|title=New airship to be developed in Friedrichshafen |publisher = Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH |date = 10 February 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719120218/http://www.zeppelinflug.de/dateien/pressemitteilungen/E/newairship.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-19 }}</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:Zeppelin NT (July 2009) (3697285054) (2).jpg|thumb|The gondola of a Zeppelin NT]]
[[File:GR NT Heckpropeller.jpg|thumb|The rear propeller arrangement of a Zeppelin NT]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004,<ref name="JAWA03 p764-5">Jackson 2003, pp. 764–765.</ref> Airship Technology<ref name = "Sträter 551">Sträter 2012, p. 551.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=2
|capacity=12 passengers or {{cvt|1900|kg|lb}} payload
|length m=75.00
|length ft=246
|length in=0.75
|length note=
|dia m=14.16
|dia ft=46
|dia in=5.5
|dia note=
|width m=19.50
|width ft=63
|width in=11.75
|width note=
|height m=17.40
|height ft=57
|height in=1
|height note=
|volume m3=8,255
|volume ft3=290,450
|volume note=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=10,690
|gross weight lb=23,567
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|lift kg=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift note=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=3
|eng1 name=[[Textron Lycoming IO-360]]
|eng1 type=air-cooled [[flat-four]]
|eng1 kw=149
|eng1 hp=200
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=125
|max speed mph=77
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=115
|cruise speed mph=71
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|range km=900
|range miles=559
|range nmi=
|range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=24 hours {{clarify|date=July 2020 |reason= 24 What? Inches?Feet?, Hours? Days? |text= |pre-text= |post-text= }}
|ceiling m=2,600
|ceiling ft=8,530
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
}}

==See also==
* [[Buoyancy compensator (aviation)]]
* [[Goodyear Blimp]]
* [[Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10]]
{{aircontent
<!-- include as many lines are appropriate. additional lines/entries with carriage return. -->
|see also=
|related=<!-- related developments -->
|similar aircraft=<!-- similar or comparable aircraft -->
|lists=<!-- related lists -->
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===References===
{{refbegin}}
* Jackson, Paul. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.
* Sträter, Bernd. ''Zeppelin NT'', in: Khoury, G.A.: ''Airship Technology''. Cambridge, 2nd Edition, 2012 pp.&nbsp;547–576. {{ISBN|978-1107019706}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons|Zeppelin NT}}
{{External media|topic= |width=23% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2czWon5DWA Passenger footage of a Zeppelin NT flight] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp7mOk1jPcI Corporate video on Zeppelin NT] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV0y0T7m-x8 Time-lapse of Zeppelin NT construction footage]}}
* [http://www.carnetdevol.org/zeppelin/NT_en.html Carnet de Vol] — Zeppelin NT Company : Friedrichshafen Flights, Zeppelin NT in the World and Technical Data
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812074622/http://www.zeppelinflug.de:80/zlt-zeppelin-luftschifftechnik-gmbh-co-kg.html |date=August 12, 2013 |title=Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH }} — manufacturers' homepage
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929041035/http://www.zeppelintours.com/htm |date=September 29, 2007 |title=zeppelintours.com }} — trips to Friedrichshafen and Zeppelin NT airship flights
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104113126/http://www.zeppelinflug.de:80/seiten/e/default.htm |date=January 4, 2011 |title=Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei }} — booking joyrides with Zeppelin NT airships in Germany
* [http://www.airshipventures.com Airship Ventures Inc.] — U.S. company operating a Zeppelin NT in California

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1990s German civil aircraft]]
[[Category:Zeppelins]]
[[Category:Airships of Germany]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1997]]