Airships!
The idea of a quick-reaction airship is an odd one.
The chances of launching airships in Glasgow's windy weather more than 20% of the time is also of concern.
Apologies if that seemed brusque - no offence to raising the idea of airships, just the usefulness of airships.
I contend that the features of loitering airships over the tropical pacific in WWII are especially different from those desired by coppers to whizz about over Glasgow. The US Navy abandoned airships 50 years ago, presumably for good reason.
The criminal community is probably wise enough to run and hide on the airship-shadow side of a building, knowing they'd have minutes not seconds before it moved to bring them back into view, especially if it was to their east, given the prevailing winds.
Instances of arson on parked police helicopters suggest that they are a major impediment to criminals. I suspect that an airship would have less chance of being targeted for malicious damage on the ground.
Last edited by awblain; 15th Dec 2013 at 09:18.
Reason: ettiquette?