The Rebirth of Airships

Abstract

Until the outbreak of the Second World War, uncertainty existed whether airships and airplanes would dominate intercontinental passenger transportation. The massive investments in fixed-wing aircraft during these hostilities made airplanes the decisive winner, and relegated airships to a negligible role in transportation. As the 21st Century progresses, airships are making a comeback fueled by the 21st Century progresses, airships are making a comeback fueled by the growing demand for air cargo, the unique environmental and operational characteristics of buoyant flight, and advances in engineering science and materials.
 
 This paper examines the market niche for airships that exists between air and marine transport and the inherent advantages and disadvantages of this mode of transportation. The economics of airships are considered in light of their past achievements and current designs. The paper concludes with the discussion of two potential applications. A long haul mission for airships between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland is considered for perishable freight, and a short haul mission for airships in northern Canada is considered for the transport of freight and passengers to remote communities.

Simulação Do Impacto Na Mobilidade Urbana E Na Emissão De Poluentes Com O Uso De Dirigíveis No Transporte De Contêineres Para O Porto De Itajaí.

“…Em resumo, a análise comparativa dos principais requisitos operacionais dos dirigíveis versus o sistema de transporte tradicional com caminhões, indicam que o dirigível é mais rápido (BORELLA et al, 2017), tem mais capacidade (PRENTICE et al, 2005), uma maior flexibilidade para tipos de carga (PEREIRA, 2011), e, um baixo impacto ambiental para os três gases do efeito estufa analisados (UPHAM; ANDERSON;WOOD, 2003).…”

“…A figura 4 indica o sistema de transporte usado para análise através de modelagem com simulação. Prentice et al (2005) Nos cálculos dos tempos de trânsito dos veículos (em minutos) foram considerados a velocidade média dos veículos no transporte de contêineres entre as instalações. Para o dirigível foi considerada uma velocidade média de 80 km/hora, voando em linha reta da retroárea ao porto por uma distância de 20 km.…”

“…Análise Comparativa dos Principais Requisitos Operacionais dos Dirigíveis vs. Sistema de Transporte Tradicional Fonte:Prentice et al (2005) …”

Aerostatic and Aerodynamic Modules of a Hybrid Buoyant Aircraft: An Analytical Approach

“…From aerodynamic point of view, if the shape is invariant then there will be no contribution of buoyant lift towards the aerodynamic lift. These relationships are not suitable for any analysis work related to HB aircraft and aerostatic lift force can be balanced with some % of gross takeoff weight; described as 'dead weight lift' [20] and its corresponding mass as 'dead mass', represented by . Also, definition of reference area is not fully explored.…”

Autonomous Dirigible Airships: A Comparative Analysis and Operational Efficiency Evaluation for Logistical Use in Complex Environments

“…In 2004, the DoD, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), requested various companies to provide designs for a modern airship that could be used for heavy airlift capabilities and personnel transport, while at the same time providing a cost-efficient and energy-efficient mode of transportation. This resurgence in the demand for airships has led the Journal of the Transportation Research Forum (Prentice, 2005) (Prentice, 2005).…”