3 ms·
It's different from a zeppelin in a couple ways. First, its not totally rigid (it relies on pressure to keep it's shape), and it is negatively buoyant in the at
by JshWright 8y ago
It's different from a zeppelin in a couple ways. First, its not totally rigid (it relies on pressure to keep it's shape), and it is negatively buoyant in the atmosphere (it relies partially on lift generated by the shape of the aircraft to stay up).
- i_am_proteus 8y agoA heavier-than-air dirigible? As Keith Moon once said about the New Yardbirds, that'll probably go over like a lead zeppelin.
- anamexis 8y agoRe: negatively buoyant, that might not be true. Their FAQ states: > Being Lighter-Than-Air, the characteristics of the Airlander bring many safety benefits. It has four engines and can fly on just one. Even if all engines fail, which is extremely unlikely, it can still float or glide under pilot control.
- jessriedel 8y agoLittle more detail: > As a unique part of the design, 60% of the lift is produced aerostatically by being Lighter-Than-Air and a further 40% lift is generated aerodynamically by having a wing-shaped hull. The engines can be rotated to provide an additional 25% of thrust up or down, to help landing, take-off and hover.
- JshWright 8y agoIt may technically be "lighter than air" when only considering the dry mass (I'm not sure about that), but they're definitely relying on aerodynamic lift in normal usage (so, it will glide in the same way a heavier than air plane can glide)
- walshemj 8y agoAnd I believe zeppelin is still trademarked and still exists as a company in germany.