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Navy Blimp Tests Mapping Gear Over Baltimore, Frederick

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The Navy says a blimp hovering over Baltimore and Frederick areas for the next two weeks is testing mapping equipment in restricted airspace around Washington.

The Frederick News-Post reported Thursday that the 178-foot, white blimp will be in the areas for about two weeks before heading to Virginia.

The so-called Air Defense Identification Zone extends 20 nautical miles around both Dulles International Airport and the Baltimore-Washington Airport, and 30 nautical miles around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

That's equivalent to 23 statute miles around Dulles and BWI, and 35 statute miles around Regan National.

Another federal rule restricts the airspace around nearby Camp David.

The rules require ready identification, location, and control of all aircraft in the restricted areas in the interest of national security.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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