No specific airship is proposed to be built. However we would like to encourage imagination and discussion of what might be possible based on our research done with scale models. This is a functional HO (1:87) scale model of a theoretical Solar Cargo Airship. It was inspired by the paper Airship Sling-Load Operations: A Model Flight-Test Approach by Johannes Eissing et al.
Theoretical full size specifications:
Length 153 meters
Volume 117,000 m3
Cargo Capacity 44,000 kg
Maximum Altitude 3000 meters
Typical speed 85 kph (@3000 m)
Powerplant:
265 kW nominal power solar production
250 kW diesel generators as backup and supplemental power
Three 250 kW electric motors providing 3,000 kg thrust at 23 m/s
FAQ:
What if there is no cargo to pick up at the destination? – In modern logistics it is always best to design routes where a transport will be full on all legs of the route. Because an empty transport does not make any money. However, there can be certain circumstances where that is not possible. Where a high value cargo is not available for pickup, a low value cargo can be used purely for ballast. Like water, dirt, trash, or even sewage in need of disposal.
Why use solar? – Of course solar power is sustainable, but from an engineering perspective the real reason to use solar in an airship is to reduce weight, improve safety of operation, and eliminate ballast changes during flight. For flights longer than a few hours, solar weighs less than alternatives. Cruising altitude is above most clouds, so solar output is dependent on latitude, season, and time of day. These can be planned for.
Why not use Lithium batteries instead of the diesel generators? – Large Lithium batteries introduce fire and other hazards that will make certification more difficult and limit the conditions the airship is allowed to operate in by regulators. Diesel is safer because it is relatively difficult to ignite. And it would not be needed most of the time. Only when conditions are cloudy, and even then only at low altitudes during cargo transfer. Because not much diesel will be needed, biodiesel is an economical option.
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