hot air airships, the sporty solution
The desire to fly is almost as old as the mankind itself. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci systematically discovered the rules of flying and built his first flying machines. In 1783, the brothers Mongolfier succeeded in construction the first hot air balloon which could take off. Hot air balloons float with the wind, but cannot be steared like airships.
During the early 70's, the Englishman Don Cameron constructed his first
hot air airship which followed the example of the hot air balloons:
upward movement was possible because of heating up the volume using
propan or butan. Its propulsion, however, was managed by an engine,
supported by a rudder and the streamlined design of the airship.
Hot air airships, like balloons, are transported on trailers to any starting point. This is where they are kept until they are used again. This helps cut down cost as no hangar is required.
Technical
details
of the hot air airship AS 80 GD (as an example):
|
maximum
speed: ca. 45km/h
flying time: approx. 2 hours volume: 2,250 Kbm Length: 36m Hight: 13.65m |
Total
surface of the skin: ca. 990 qm
Weight of the skin including control surfaces : approx. 190 kg Engine: Rotax Bombadier Type 462, max. performance: 52HP |
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