New Type of Flying Vehicle Promises to Relieve Airport, Seaport Congestion

This article describes a new type of air vehicle currently under development which combines certain characteristics of an airplane, helicopter and airship. The advantage of the blimp-shaped air vehicle is that it can take off and land more or less vertically and therefore require far less land for its operations. This would allow an “airport” for such vehicles to be located closer to major cities. The prototype is longer than the Hindenburg, which it resembles slightly, and flies as a result of lift generated by its rigid aerodynamic shape and a supply of non-explosive helium gas. It is being developed with more than $3 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Defense. Three versions are being considered: one for the military, one for commercial freight, and a third as a passenger liner.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Authors:
  • Reid, Robert L
• Publication Date: 2006-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Illustrations;
• Pagination: pp 12-13
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Experimental vehicles
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01023256
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 28 2006 8:08AM