A California company is developing a new type of airship for transporting cargo and, possibly, passengers. It is not an airplane and not a blimp, but has elements of both. The vehicle uses new technology and has commercial and military applications.
From blimp-sized to Zeppelin-sized, this could carry 50-500 tons, 2-20 times as much as a C-130. 20 knot winds are nothing to it, that's tolerable for even normal airships, but this is much flatter. Also, 40% or more of it's mass is heavier than air, held aloft by engine power. When it's landed it's very secure. And the first aircraft to reach the north pole was a blimp in the '20s, so it'll be fine.
i agree with North of Edmonton, " oil patch " and amazonian lands. but: a herculese can carry 25 tons, and stand the strong gusting winds on the ground. Landing winds in the artic quite often exceed 20 knots. this thing is not going to tolerate high winds. nice idea. but very, very limited.
@BOMBOVA
From blimp-sized to Zeppelin-sized, this could carry 50-500 tons, 2-20 times as much as a C-130. 20 knot winds are nothing to it, that's tolerable for even normal airships, but this is much flatter. Also, 40% or more of it's mass is heavier than air, held aloft by engine power. When it's landed it's very secure. And the first aircraft to reach the north pole was a blimp in the '20s, so it'll be fine.
Jjames763 3 weeks ago
Intreasting...
udennyn 7 months ago
i agree with North of Edmonton, " oil patch " and amazonian lands. but: a herculese can carry 25 tons, and stand the strong gusting winds on the ground. Landing winds in the artic quite often exceed 20 knots. this thing is not going to tolerate high winds. nice idea. but very, very limited.
BOMBOVA 7 months ago