|
|
|
An airship is a lighter-than-air powered aircraft that gains lift through the use of gas such as helium or hot air. Airships are also known as dirigibles, aerostats, and blimps.
The envelope is the fabric container that holds the gas. It is made of polyester composites and shaped in an spherical oval shape, similiar to a football.
Steering is accomplished through the use of rudders and elevators located on the tail section. The rudders are used to control left and right motion while the elevators are used in the ascent and descent of the airship.
Forward thrust is maintained by two powerful turbo-propeller gasoline engines that generate several hundred horsepower. The engines are capable of propelling the airship up to speeds of 70 mph (110 kph).
Passengers are located in the gondola of the aircraft that is located on the lower portion of the blimp. The gondola also contains the pilot's controls, navigation, and communication systems.
|
|
