The Division Belle

Previously used as the Metropolitan Life 'Snoopy' blimp, Pink Floyd made some changes before using the aircraft to promote their 1994 Division Bell tour. It was painted in North Carolina by New Jersey artist Burt Dodge, who was commissioned to paint a Storm Thorgerson design.

The aircraft could travel up to 10,000 feet and had a 35-62 m.ph. cruising speed.

The Division Belle was piloted by Nick Mason on March 30, 1994 and David Gilmour and Polly Sampson the next day.

Intrepid Floyd fan Dan Verbin, who just happened to live close to the Buttonville Airport (Canada) got to learn that The Division Belle (as the Floyd had named it) was moored nearby. Trusty camera in hand, Dan shot off the pictures you see here.

On 27 June 1994 The Division Belle was destroyed by a thunder storm while attached to a mooring pole. The envelope of the airship, which was a polyurethane-coated polyester fiber was salvaged and sold off to collectors. (See below)

Thanks to the Pink Floyd Encyclopedia for the technical details 

There are many other shots HERE and this guy actually flew in the Belle!

Be sure to catch our other Division Belle exhibition HERE