This is actually a good application for them - ultra long loiter aircraft, which have all kinds of uses - imagine one of them that is used to bounce wifi signals off of to provide broadband. Terrain ceases to be a problem, and the drone can circle overhead high enough to reach huge areas.Yogimus wrote:I think it might. If the UAV-s are also dirigibles.
BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
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HTRN
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
HTRN, I would tell you that you are an evil fucker, but you probably get that a lot ~ Netpackrat
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
Describing what HTRN does as "antics" is like describing the wreck of the Titanic as "a minor boating incident" ~ First Shirt
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Aglifter
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
I think balloons actually were used, at least as a research project, to bring cell service to parts of the... Dakotas maybe???
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, & our sacred Honor
A gentleman unarmed is undressed.
Collects of 1903/08 Colt Pocket Auto
A gentleman unarmed is undressed.
Collects of 1903/08 Colt Pocket Auto
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blackeagle603
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
Tethered radar blimps were used for some time along the Mexican border as part of the drug interdiction effort.
Got to see the forms a (mutual) supplier used to lay up the giant secant squared antenna that went inside the envelope. A pattern makers dream.
Got to see the forms a (mutual) supplier used to lay up the giant secant squared antenna that went inside the envelope. A pattern makers dream.
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"The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered, as the palladium of the liberties of a republic;" Justice Story
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Jered
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
They used them for that during World War 2tfbncc wrote:The problem with airships is that they cannot carry a passenger load/cargo large enough to justify the cost.
Back in the 80's, The Navy was looking at dirigibles as a possible long term ASW, open ocean radar and search platform. It was planned to be used against drug smugglers in the Caribbean and along both coasts. A single dirigible with a 2 section crew could stay aloft for up to two weeks at a time. While feasable, it never really got past the panning stage.
The avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote.
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Catbird
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
Boeing was working with a Canadian company to develop the Skyhook heavy lift helicopter dirigible hybrid. It looks like it's stalled for lack of development money.
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Aglifter
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
See, I would think it would be better to shape gas envelope like a aerofoil, so that you could get some additional lift out of it.
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, & our sacred Honor
A gentleman unarmed is undressed.
Collects of 1903/08 Colt Pocket Auto
A gentleman unarmed is undressed.
Collects of 1903/08 Colt Pocket Auto
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SoupOrMan
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
The worst part about being airship pirates?MiddleAgedKen wrote:...and another dream of a career as an airship pirate shattered. Dang it all.
Surface-to-air Ninjas.
Remember, folks, you can't spell "douche" without "Che."
“PET PARENTS?” You’re not a “pet parent.” You’re a pet owner. Unless you’ve committed an unnatural act that succeeded in spite of biology. - Glenn Reynolds
“PET PARENTS?” You’re not a “pet parent.” You’re a pet owner. Unless you’ve committed an unnatural act that succeeded in spite of biology. - Glenn Reynolds
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Malthorn
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MiddleAgedKen
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
Yeah, I kind of like Abney Park. Haven't bought any yet, but expect I will, provided I am spared....
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Mike OTDP
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Re: BIT:dirigibles as helicopter replacements
Actually, airborne early warning. YEZ-2A. I worked on the program. Massive beast - 2.5 million cubic feet, 425 feet long. Fly-by-light flight controls (for 1987, bleeding-edge technology). ~60 hour endurance unrefueled...but we planned to refuel from ships, stretch the missions to 30 days aloft. Wonderful, fascinating machine.tfbncc wrote:The problem with airships is that they cannot carry a passenger load/cargo large enough to justify the cost.
Back in the 80's, The Navy was looking at dirigibles as a possible long term ASW, open ocean radar and search platform. It was planned to be used against drug smugglers in the Caribbean and along both coasts. A single dirigible with a 2 section crew could stay aloft for up to two weeks at a time. While feasable, it never really got past the panning stage.