The Hybrid Airship

The future of the airship looks to be likely to come in the form of the hybrid airship, so called due to its mix of aerodynamic lift and traditional helium lift gas that will allow them to carry significantly larger payloads than conventional airships.

Helium lift gas provides anywhere from 30% to 80% of the aircrafts lift with the remaining lift being provided by wings or an aerodynamic body shape, like conventional aircraft. The hybrid airship will have to use a short runway (unlike conventional airships) but will offer huge savings in fuel compared to jet powered transport and passenger aircraft.

An Atlantic crossing in an airship would most likely take about two days, but the cost savings present an attractive alternative to cargo transportation companies. With the passenger travel opportunities, environmental benefits and increased onboard space make luxury airship cruises a serious venture. With more travel providers promoting 'green' alternatives, there is more reason for aerospace manufacturers (especially airship builders) to look at alternative modes of transport.

Hybrid airships are 'heavier than air' unlike traditional blimps or zeppelins which are 'lighter than air' due to the lift provided by helium or, in the past, Hydrogen. The advantage of this is that the hybrid can be landed and left grounded, while 'lighter than air' airships need several ground handlers and mooring points to prevent the craft for floating back into the air. An airship heavier than air will also provide much safer ground handling in high winds.

Future airships may be different to what we know today but they will offer many superior operational and environmental benefits over current alternatives.

Adapted from my original article posted on Qassia.com

Duncan Rice is the owner of the Blimpship.com, a website related to the news, information and history of airships, blimps and zeppelins.

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