| The future of the airship looks to be likely to come in | | | | more travel providers promoting 'green' alternatives, |
| the form of the hybrid airship, so called due to its | | | | there is more reason for aerospace manufacturers |
| mix of aerodynamic lift and traditional helium lift gas | | | | (especially airship builders) to look at alternative |
| that will allow them to carry significantly larger | | | | modes of transport. |
| payloads than conventional airships. | | | | Hybrid airships are 'heavier than air' unlike traditional |
| Helium lift gas provides anywhere from 30% to 80% | | | | blimps or zeppelins which are 'lighter than air' due to |
| of the aircrafts lift with the remaining lift being | | | | the lift provided by helium or, in the past, Hydrogen. |
| provided by wings or an aerodynamic body shape, | | | | The advantage of this is that the hybrid can be |
| like conventional aircraft. The hybrid airship will have | | | | landed and left grounded, while 'lighter than air' |
| to use a short runway (unlike conventional airships) | | | | airships need several ground handlers and mooring |
| but will offer huge savings in fuel compared to jet | | | | points to prevent the craft for floating back into the |
| powered transport and passenger aircraft. | | | | air. An airship heavier than air will also provide much |
| An Atlantic crossing in an airship would most likely | | | | safer ground handling in high winds. |
| take about two days, but the cost savings present | | | | Future airships may be different to what we know |
| an attractive alternative to cargo transportation | | | | today but they will offer many superior operational |
| companies. With the passenger travel opportunities, | | | | and environmental benefits over current alternatives. |
| environmental benefits and increased onboard space | | | | Adapted from my original article posted on Qassia. |
| make luxury airship cruises a serious venture. With | | | | |