A review of lighter-than-air progress in the United States and its technological significance

Lighter-than-air vehicles are being studied and developed as solutions to problems in transportation and in communications and service. These vehicles include balloons, balloon-airship systems and airships. Tethered balloons of streamline form have been developed for both military (surveillance) and civil (telecommunications) applications. These are capable of flying at 4600 m altitude in 100 km/hr winds and supporting payloads up to 1678 kg. Other applications include use of natural shaped balloons for logging in forested areas and for transport of cargo from ship-to-shore. Free balloons have been flown up to 51, 812 m and 7624 kg have been carried to 34,440 m. Balloon-like remotely piloted airships are being studied and developed as high altitude geo-stationary platforms for telecommunication and surveillance. Many new and lower cost benefits would result from the successful development of this type. The carrying of heavy large-volume cargoes promises to be an important and unique application for airships which are designed to achieve precise hovering while being loaded or unloaded. Several types are being studied for this purpose. Other new applications include use of airships for airport feeder passenger transport, and as large long endurance naval patrol vehicles. Technology programs must be developed which will enable new airships to be designed and built. These would include studies in aerodynamics, materials, structures, propulsion, and operational techniques. The advancement of these new concepts is handicapped by the lack of an established industry, confidence, and the complexity and cost of development. Yet where success has been achieved, it has been worth the risk. Government support is required to achieve these goals.