3 ms·
Re: negatively buoyant, that might not be true. Their FAQ states: > Being Lighter-Than-Air, the characteristics of the Airlander bring many safety benefits. It
by anamexis 8y ago
Re: 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)