Eiffel Tower Gets a Sudden 6‑Metre Boost—And It Was Delivered by Helicopter!
Picture this: a towering 330‑metre monument on the Paris skyline, and just when you think it’s done, a shiny digital radio antenna swoops in, adding a whole six meters on top.
How It Happened
- What’s the deal? A DAB+ digital‑audio antenna was strapped to the very tip of the Eiffel Tower.
- Transport method? A helicopter carried the weighty addition, because walking it up would have taken forever.
- Weather vibes? The sky was leaden on March 15th, but that didn’t stop the crew.
Historical Context
The Eiffel Tower, conceived by Gustave Eiffel in the late 1860s and 1870s, has been a symbol of engineering glory for nearly a century. When it first rose, it eclipsed Washington’s Monument as the world’s tallest man‑made structure. That bragging title lasted until 1929 when the Chrysler Building in New York claimed the crown.
Now, with its new top‑gear, the Eiffel Tower stands a bit taller and even more radio‑savvy—proof that history keeps evolving, even in the most iconic landmarks.
<img alt="" data-caption="A helicopter takes off near the Eiffel Tower to install a new telecom transmission TDF (TeleDiffusion de France) antenna on its top, in Paris, France, on March 15, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”863d48a3-3ce0-4799-9499-186118d3f9b1″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/etower.jpg”/>
The Tower That Keeps Growing (and Watching)
Think of that iconic wrought‑iron lattice that screams “tourist hub” in TripAdvisor’s tall‑order list, and you’ll immediately picture a sky‑high monument that’s been keeping crowds entertained and radio waves buzzing for a full century—yes, over 100 years of standing tall.
Why It’s Been A Favorite
- Iconic View: Millions of tourists come for the panoramic skyline and that unmistakable iron lattice silhouette.
- Broadcast Buddy: It’s been the silent partner to countless radio and TV signals, swapping out its upper antennas like a wardrobe change at a fashion show.
- Longevity: Each time the antenna aged, a new one was fitted—so the pinnacle’s height has done more hops than a kangaroo on a pogo stick.
The Latest Airborne Antenna Drop
In a moment that looked more like an aerial ballet than an engineering task, live television caught a helicopter swooping down to place a new antenna on the tower’s base. Picture a shiny metal disc landing, workers circled it, and in under ten minutes they had tucked it securely—no extra drama, no car‑in‑the‑road pauses.
What Happens Next?
Now that the antenna’s snug in place, the tower will keep humming its broadcasting beat while tourists still marvel at its iron-backbone and the flicker of neon streetlights below. It’s a reminder that even monuments with a century’s worth of upgrades can still pull off an almost‑miraculous save in real time.
