Non-rigid airship: Difference between revisions

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(New page: Non-rigid airships, often called "blimps" are a type of buoyant aircraft that can be propelled and steered that does not use a skeletal frame to hold the shape when it is under [[a...)
 
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Non-rigid airships, often called "blimps" are a type of [[buoyant]] [[aircraft]] that can be propelled and steered that does not use a skeletal frame to hold the shape when it is under [[aerodynamics|aerodynamic]] loads.  In particular, the [[fabric]] of the envelope is
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[[Image:Goodyear-blimp.jpg|right|thumb|350px|
{{#ifexist:Template:Goodyear-blimp.jpg/credit|{{Goodyear-blimp.jpg/credit}}<br/>|}}The Goodyear Blimp]]
'''Non-rigid airships''', often called "blimps", are a type of [[buoyant]] [[aircraft]] that can be propelled and steered that does not use a skeletal frame to hold the shape when it is under [[aerodynamics|aerodynamic]] loads.  In particular, the [[fabric]] of the envelope is
part of the structural system.
part of the structural system.


In contrast, [[rigid airships]] use a frame, typically made of [[metal]], to hold
In contrast, [[rigid airship]]s use a frame, typically made of [[metal]], to hold
the shape of the craft.  On a rigid aircraft, the fabric is typically a covering and
the shape of the craft.  On a rigid aircraft, the fabric is typically a covering and
provides no structural support.
provides no structural support.
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Blimps were used with great success during World War II as anti-submarine scouting platforms.
Blimps were used with great success during World War II as anti-submarine scouting platforms.


Today, blimps are used primarily as advertising platforms.  However they are used sometimes
Today, blimps are used primarily as advertising platforms.  However, they are used sometimes
by police for public safety.
by police for public safety.


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Blimps that use hot air rather than Helium are called [[thermal airships]].
Blimps that use hot air rather than Helium are called [[thermal airships]].
[[Category:Stub Articles]]
[[Category:CZ Live]]
[[Category:Engineering Workgroup]]

Revision as of 12:01, 10 March 2008

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The Goodyear Blimp

Non-rigid airships, often called "blimps", are a type of buoyant aircraft that can be propelled and steered that does not use a skeletal frame to hold the shape when it is under aerodynamic loads. In particular, the fabric of the envelope is part of the structural system.

In contrast, rigid airships use a frame, typically made of metal, to hold the shape of the craft. On a rigid aircraft, the fabric is typically a covering and provides no structural support.

The most famous blimps are those operated by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber company. These "Goodyear blimps" have been in use since the 1930's.

Blimps were used with great success during World War II as anti-submarine scouting platforms.

Today, blimps are used primarily as advertising platforms. However, they are used sometimes by police for public safety.

The vast majority of blimps are filled with Helium which provides their buoyancy.

Blimps that use hot air rather than Helium are called thermal airships.