ADVANCED AIRSHIP TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN APPROACHES

Advanced Airship Technologies and Design Approaches identifies and outlines important airship design and practicability considerations and suggests a better design approach that will result in more successful development programs and lead to airships that are in synch with 21st century aviation practices and advanced military-commercial operating utility needs. Airships were very successful flying vehicles until the later 1930s when the rise of wing-borne aircraft gradually led to their demise. They continued in limited use until the 1960s as long-endurance naval patrol craft until they too were superseded by aircraft. A key advantage of the airship is that, once in flight, it requires dramatically less fuel than a conventional aircraft. In an age of rising fuel costs, the need for economical heavy lift transportation as well as specialized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms is an opportune time to look again at lighter-than-air vehicle technology. An airship revival has proven difficult due to failed or canceled airship programs-proving corrosive to the perceived viability of the technology. The airship often struggles to be taken seriously, scoffed at as being ''just a blimp." If the present revival of interest in airships is to avoid a new generation of failures, or an inability to achieve promised results, it is essential to introduce an era of more prudent airship design, clear vision, and better management. Advanced Airship Technologies and Design Approaches offers a path forward. It is a must-read for all those with an interest in a successful future for airships.