The first successful airship was constructed by Henri Giffard of France in 1852. Giffard built a 160-kilogram (350-pound) steam engine capable of developing 3 horsepower, sufficient to turn a large propeller at 110 revolutions per minute.

Why is there only 25 blimps in the world?

The main reason you never see airships in the sky anymore is because of the huge costs it takes to build and run them. They're very expensive to build and very expensive to fly. Airships require a large amount of helium, which can cost up to $100,000 for one trip, according to Wilnechenko.

When did they stop using blimps?

Rigid airships were largely abandoned after the Hindenburg's 1937 crash and an increased military preference for planes. But they could make a comeback as cargo vessels.