AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --The Goodyear Tire
& Rubber Company's newest blimp – Wingfoot Two – was
christened today by Akron native
Savannah James in front of a crowd
more than 2,000 at Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Suffield, Ohio. The official christening of
Wingfoot Two marks the formal induction of the airship into
Goodyear's fleet of iconic blimps.
"To be part of such an incredible legacy of elite women who have
been recognized through Goodyear's century-long tradition of
christening the new blimps is a special moment for me, my family,
and the entire Akron community,"
said James. "I hope this honor will inspire and uplift all kids
growing up in Akron and encourage
them to follow the Goodyear blimp's lead in believing the sky is
truly the limit for each and every one of them."
James was born and raised in Akron, where she met her future husband,
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron
James. James actively volunteers for the LeBron James Family
Foundation, and started the Foundations' I PROMise Makeover, an
annual event to empower young women.
James joins the ranks of accomplished women to christen Goodyear
blimps, including aviator Amelia
Earhart (1929) and astronaut Dr. Sally Ride (2000). On hand to support Savannah
was her husband, LeBron James, her
children and parents, and Wingfoot One's christener, "Good
Morning America" anchor Robin
Roberts (2014).
"Savannah's Akron-born
roots and passion for improving the local community made her a
natural choice to christen Wingfoot Two," said Goodyear Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer. "Goodyear has a long-standing
tradition of enlisting strong, accomplished women to christen our
iconic airships, and we are proud to welcome Savannah to the
family."
James christened Wingfoot Two with the ceremonial
breaking of a champagne bottle against the blimp's gondola.
ABOUT WINGFOOT TWO
Wingfoot Two is one of three technologically-advanced
Goodyear blimps to join the fleet, with cutting-edge avionics and
flight control systems. Its sister ship, Wingfoot One, was
christened in 2014. As part of the new fleet, Wingfoot Two
was built bigger, faster and stronger than the company's
prior-generation GZ20A model blimps:
- Bigger: At more than 246 feet long, Wingfoot Two
stretches nearly the length of a football field, and is 50 feet
longer than previous blimps.
- Faster: New blimps hit highway speeds of up to 73 mph -
more than 20 mph faster than previous models.
- Stronger: Wingfoot Two sports a semi-rigid
skeleton composed of aluminum and carbon fiber, compared to the
soft, inflatable bodies used in previous fleets. The frame is now
packed with 297,527 cubic feet of non-flammable helium, making it
more buoyant and capable of lifting 700 pounds more than its
predecessors.
For improved maneuverability, custom computer-controlled
avionics better regulate engine thrust and movement. Other new
features include enhanced aerial television coverage capabilities,
increased flight range to reach more communities and cover more of
fans' favorite events, and a larger in-flight passenger experience
with unparalleled panoramic views.
"Wingfoot Two's induction into the blimp fleet marks an
extraordinary milestone for our Goodyear airship program and our
company," said Kramer "We're proud to have this majestic airship
represent our 118-year history and our associates around the
world."
Since 1917, Goodyear has built more than 300 lighter-than-air
vehicles for public relations and defense applications, many built
at the Suffield facility.
Editors' note: pictures and video for media use from the
Oct. 21, christening event are
available to view or download here:
http://www.wingfoot2mediacenter.com/.
About Goodyear
Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT), founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world's largest tire
companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures
its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its
two Innovation Centers in Akron,
and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive
to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the
technology and performance standard for the industry. For more
information about Goodyear and its products, go to
www.goodyear.com/corporate.
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Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO
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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company