New Design
The 209-Class
Unlike our predecessors, we recognize the accomplishments of the German Zeppelin Company, the only successful LTA program in history.
For this reason, our design is based on the Hindenburg, which was Germany’s most advanced LTA design.
This represents a completely different approach because, unlike our predecessors, we are reviving LTA and not trying to reinvent the technology, resulting in a more cost-effective path as R&D costs are greatly reduced, and we begin the journey with a time-tested, airworthy design.
Top & Side Views with Bay locations
Major Components
Keel Layout & Airframe Design
See Detailed Passenger & Crew spaces:
The Buoyancy Management System
A successful LTA program demands reliable, accurate buoyancy management.
When passengers or freight are loaded, adding to the weight of the airship, then additional buoyancy must be added.
Conversely, when passengers or freight are unloaded, reducing the weight of the airship, the extra buoyancy must be removed.
This process is referred to as buoyancy management.
The most extreme example of buoyancy management is when a single heavy load is loaded or unloaded, as this represents the point at which the largest volume of buoyant lift gas must be managed within the shortest possible time.
The two most buoyant lift gases are hydrogen and helium, with helium being the popular choice because it’s nonflammable.
A functional buoyancy management system must have the capability to deploy a large volume of lift gas in a short period of time and then, when the additional buoyancy is no longer needed, compress and store that same volume in the shortest time possible.
Storing the lift gas onboard, versus releasing it into the atmosphere, reduces operating costs and guarantees the lift gas is available for the next load.
Interestingly, of the many failed LTA programs, only a couple incorporated a seemingly functional buoyancy management system.
Accurate and timely buoyancy management is a requirement for a successful LTA program and was one of the first problems we solved for our project.
Minimum Capabilities
The following is an abbreviated list of our minimum capabilities.
- Maximum operating ceiling of at least 10,000 feet
- Minimum cruise speed capability of 75 mph
- Passenger and crew accommodations for 10 day mission
- Capable of holding position on station
- Can maintain altitude without consuming fuel
- 20 ton minimum payload capability
- Maximum range of at least 4,500 miles
Minimum Design Requirements
Our minimum requirements are based on the most successful German design, plus those necessary to meet current market demands.
- The design must be resilient
- Based on the most successful German design
- Buoyancy control should be accurate and dependable
- Flight control must be simple and intuitive
- Must maximize fuel economy
- Reasonable ownership cost
- Operating costs must be minimized