Airlander

[Spymaster]

I don't know how it's constructed (if someone's got a link please post it) but I'd assume the lifting gas is in compartments, so the machine could presumably sustain a heck of a lot of damage and just float down.

 

[bluescreen]

I don't know how it's constructed (if someone's got a link please post it) but I'd assume the lifting gas is in compartments, so the machine could presumably sustain a heck of a lot of damage and just float down.

Yes, I've seen a more detailed account of how this is so, but just now don't have time to find more than this:

Envelope Helium filled, laminated fabric construction hull. The hull’s aerodynamic shape, an elliptical crosssection allied to a cambered longitudinal shape, provides up to 40% of the vehicle’s lift. The internal diaphragms required to support this shape allow for a limited amount of compartmentalisation further enhancing the fail-safe nature of the vehicle. Multiple ballonets located fore and aft in each of the hulls provide pressure control.

from the tech details on the Airlander site here. Hybrid Air Vehicles - Airlander 10

 

[Spymaster]

Cheers.

 

[Dogsauce]

Could they stick lots of lightweight solar panels on it to power the engines and stay up indefinitely?

 

[bluescreen]

Could they stick lots of lightweight solar panels on it to power the engines and stay up indefinitely?

They are thinking about it, yes.

<snip>We have been investigating an all-electric Airlander, with potential for solar panels.

From this interview: Hybrid Air Vehicles - Project spotlight: Hybrid Air Vehicles

 

[Dogsauce]

I reckon they could use it for aerial surveys, maybe even highly detailed point cloud type stuff - could even make detailed models of structures like the Forth Bridge. it's probably a more stable platform than a helicopter, and could stay up much longer for continuous surveys.

 

[DotCommunist]

make it into a gin palace of the skies. Fit it out with a bar, pool table. You could rake it in .

 

[Crispy]

I'd love to go on a airship cruise. Just like the sea-going version but with more to look at between "ports"

 

[Idris2002]

is it full of nazis and will it explode. Those are the pressing questions

No the pressing question is, is it captained by Captain Oswald Bastable, late of the Royal Indian Air Service, and now currently in the employ of General O.T. Shaw?

 

[Idris2002]

make it into a gin palace of the skies. Fit it out with a bar, pool table. You could rake it in .

You're forgetting the other obvious option.

 

[DotCommunist]

You're forgetting the other obvious option.

use it to defeat daesh?

 

[DotCommunist]

I'd love to go on a airship cruise. Just like the sea-going version but with more to look at between "ports"

I think thats probably a kickstarter. Build another floaty backside only this time its luxury rooms, the finest of food.

 

[Idris2002]

use it to defeat daesh?

Blow . . . ahem. . . Daesh mile high.

 

[Crispy]

I think thats probably a kickstarter. Build another floaty backside only this time its luxury rooms, the finest of food.

All served on titanium plates

 

[Lemon Eddy]

I'd love to go on a airship cruise. Just like the sea-going version but with more to look at between "ports"

This. And they'd better put a glass floored ballroom in the thing, because I really would like to waltz above the clouds.

 

[DotCommunist]

unsure about the viability of a pool table now. Would it hold stable enough for a fair game? you'd go spare if you missed that tricky red due to a slight wobble of the aircraft

 

[Crispy]

unsure about the viability of a pool table now. Would it hold stable enough for a fair game? you'd go spare if you missed that tricky red due to a slight wobble of the aircraft

Virtual reality rec rooms to keep the weight down.

 

[DotCommunist]

Virtual reality rec rooms to keep the weight down.

holodecks? stop please, I'm getting a woody

 

[ViolentPanda]

unsure about the viability of a pool table now. Would it hold stable enough for a fair game? you'd go spare if you missed that tricky red due to a slight wobble of the aircraft

Suspend it by gimbals from the cabin ceiling.

 

[DotCommunist]

Suspend it by gimbals from the cabin ceiling.

I admire the engineerial thinking here but if the aircraft tilts so do I. On a match winning black ball that would be unforgivable. It can only end in best out of 5 and nobody wants that

 

[DotCommunist]

also all the placeholder-pounds would fall off and a riot would ensue over ownership of the pounds and the right to the next go. Nobody wants that either

 

[A380]

also all the placeholder-pounds would fall off and a riot would ensue over ownership of the pounds and the right to the next go. Nobody wants that either

Pool would still be better than darts though.

 

[gosub]

I'd love to go on a airship cruise. Just like the sea-going version but with more to look at between "ports"

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

unsure about the viability of a pool table now. Would it hold stable enough for a fair game? you'd go spare if you missed that tricky red due to a slight wobble of the aircraft

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Pool would still be better than darts though.

 

[gosub]

World's biggest aircraft crashes in Bedfordshire

 

[bi0boy]

whoops

 

[spliff]

Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight - BBC News

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

 

[Teaboy]

That has to be the slowest and most gentlest aircraft crash ever. The teacup ride looks terrifying in comparison.