P-791 Hybrid Air Vehicle

Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Air Vehicle can be designed as an unmanned or manned intelligence gatherer or transport vehicle. As an eye in the sky, this remarkable airship can stay aloft for up to three weeks at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Loaded with cameras, infrared sensors, communications relays, and other payloads, the Hybrid Air Vehicle can provide American and allied forces a clear picture of the battlefield. As a transport vehicle, the Hybrid Air Vehicle can be sized to move equipment and troops cost effectively to unimproved forward areas.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/product...

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Ferdybroom]

Good point, but a staggering amount of helium is wasted all over the world on party balloons, not on airships. That's where I'd start to economise on this precious resource. I've often wondered if airships could use a hydrogen / helium mix in proportions that wouldn't burn? Slightly greater lift as well. Call it 'Heligen'.

[Samuel Santofimio]

Whats the amount of helium this blimp needs???

[Appleholic1]

I don't understand why they are not more seriously considering this for passenger use. Granted it is slower than an airplane but it is faster than a bus. People who prefer not to travel by air for reasons of safety or fear of flying might feel differently about airships. When an engine on a 727 fails the plane could fall to the ground but if an airship engine fails it would not. Also the sight seeing aspects of low altitude airship travel would be great.

[doceigen]

How about having it both, sprout wings and morph shape?

[Brandon Vincent]

What is the worst condition's (Weather, War) she will fly through? And what is the range?

[Fafa silva]

The airplane is at around 150 million in Brazil

USA?

[Alex Wiskin]

cool how much does it cost to buy?

[ccrg109]

With one of the bigger variations you could potentially create a flying cruise ship. That would be pretty cool. I'd buy one just to start up a business like that.

[kevin kuka]

This is amazing

[Ferdybroom]

Yes, it turns out that you're right: the two gasses would separate, meaning the ship could still burn. And also a mixture higher than 10% hydrogen can burn. Unlike most inflammable gasses, hydrogen can explode at very low concentrations, so the cost saving would be very small.

[sheeplvl1]

Zeaplin burned because of it's skin.

Somehow I think the "Heligen" gas would be just helium at the bottom part of the airship while hydrogen stay at the top portion.

[MegaPaddz]

Good to see more science and technology being used to help with war