Air Technologies
Lighter Than Air Technology
Lighter than air technology was very popular at the beginning of the twentieth century, but the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 caused people to lose interest in this type of aircraft.
Since then there has been new research and development for both civilian and military applications. Innovations in materials and other technology has caused a renewed interest in lighter than air devices.
Lighter Than Air Aircraft
All lighter than air vehicles use a lifting gas to provide their lift. The most common types of lifting gas used (since hydrogen was banned after 1937) are helium and hot air. Blimps use helium and large balloons use hot air. One thousand cubic feet of hot air has a lifting capacity of approximately twenty pounds. One thousand cubic feet of helium will lift approximately three times that of hot air or sixty pounds. Hydrogen has a lifting capacity that is approximately ten percent higher than helium.
Common Applications
Blimps and balloons are usually what come to mind when someone mentions lighter than air aircraft. These are unique and large enough to draw attention. They have applications in aerial photography, aerial advertising, surveillance and sports events. Radio controlled Read more…
