The Goodyear blimp A mainstay at sporting events since 1955. Pictured here is a semirigid version. (more) What Is the Difference Between Blimps and Zeppelins? Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 1, 2026 •History Blimps are nonrigid airships that depend on gas pressure to maintain their shape, and the envelope itself is the structure. Zeppelins have a rigid internal framework that is covered and contains internal gas-filled cells. Zeppelin is also a name brand of rigid airships that is often applied to the general category of all rigid airships. Additionally, there are semirigid airships, which are similar to blimps and sometimes called blimps but have a structural metal keel....

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