Oh FFS, the LEMV was
not cancelled solely due to monetary constraints:
When we contacted the US Army, a spokesman said, “The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV), a hybrid air vehicle, is a technology demonstration project administered by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. This project was initially designed to support operational needs in Afghanistan in Spring 2012; it will not provide a capability in the timeframe required. Due to technical and performance challenges, and the limitations imposed by constrained resources, the Army has determined to discontinue the LEMV development effort."
Due to technical and performance challenges, and the limitations imposed by constrained resources, the Army has determined to discontinue the LEMV development effort,” the service says in a statement.
http://aviationweek.com/defense/tech...lemv-airship-0
"The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in October 2012 that the first LEMV was 12,000 lb. overweight, reducing endurance to four-five days. The Army proposed lowering the operating altitude to 16,000 ft. to push endurance back up to 16 days." Guess what the quoted enduarnce for Airlander is? That's right 4-6 days!!!
It was cancelled by the US military because it had already cost a fortune and was delievring about a 1/7th of the promised capability. They had been duped once again by the snake oil salesmen!!!
LJ