Airships became popular among people after World War II. This was the revolutionary period for these aircraft when non-rigid aircraft were most famous. In 1912 and 1913, the most outstanding company, which was involved in the manufacture of aircraft, was “Goodyear”. This company entered the aviation industry in 1910 but produced its first airship in 1912. After about four years, more companies began to get involved in the airship business.
“Good year” Airship Company also served in World War II by producing the type of non-rigid aircraft. In 1919, they introduced the first public airship using helium, which they called “pony” and after four years, they introduced another airship named “Pilgrim”. In the 1930s, blimps were used for advertising purposes. This was a positive start for Good Year Company because it caused a boom in aircraft sales. Also, the use of aircraft for the military made the company more active in aircraft manufacturing. In the 1930s, the Good Year Company introduced two military aircraft. One was named USS Akron and the other was named USS Macon. These airships were specifically designed for the purpose of transporting aircraft and other heavy machinery from one place to another.
Two years later, both aircraft were destroyed in a storm. This disaster also brought about the virtual end of non-rigid aircraft. Good Year was the most active company in aircraft manufacturing. You will be surprised to know that they produced 104 navy aircraft. Due to the development of technology at that time, many sophisticated airships with the ability to stay in the air for more than a week were developed.
After World War II, the Good Year Company produced a prototype aircraft, which was named the GA-22 Duck. Although not formally developed due to some technicalities involved, it contributed a lot to the further development of other aircraft. On April 4, 1960, the Good Year Company developed the largest blimp called “ZPG-3W”. In addition, the Good Year Company is also honored for manufacturing the ZPG-2 airship (also known as the “snow bird”), which holds the record for staying aloft for 11 consecutive days.
The era of the late 1950s and 1960s is considered to be the era of airship advertising. The company was the most successful in the manufacture of advertising airships. Having said that, in 1959, they developed the GZ-19 Mayflower for advertising purposes, after which many corporate giants turned their attention to advertising blimps because it was the most effective and easiest way to advertise any product, service, or event. Due to the attraction of this business, many other companies also started their business in manufacturing airships of different types, but they were not as successful as Good Year Company, due to their professional experience in this field. Good Year Company generated very attractive income through this business and extended its business to all European countries. flying banners and writing in the sky.