Kalimera exascot
If such loads were released from the airship, how do they propose to reballast the 'ship? I guess you could pick up water ballast but that would necessitate a very large water supply. Another operational issue would be superheat and pressure height (max alt attainable due to flat ballonets - a big considderation in terrain) flying from night to day and vice versa. Another biggie could be helium availability, I'm fully aware that hydrogen gives better lifting ability but can't see EASA ever allowing it.
Agreed, transatlantic outsize cargo could be viable, quicker than a ship at least. Just don't pick up icing!
Oldchina, the benefit of an airship over a jet is that the airship could carry heavier single piece cargo, such as a complete bridge etc. This alleviates modular construction to an extent, and like I mentioned before, it would be quicker than sea freight and have the added bonus of no land transport at either end. I remain highly sceptical, however.
Last edited by 500 above; 5th Sep 2011 at 07:58.