A new airship from E-Green Technologies/21st Century Airships sports the crackerjack name Bullet 580 along with a “radically different” design according to E-Green Chairman and CEO Michael Lawson. The innovations allow for more efficient performance and a larger cargo capacity, all with more energy efficiency relative to conventional aircraft. The Bullet 580 is 235 feet long and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 pounds.
Designed to carry communications, surveying, monitoring and and navigation equipment for civilian and military uses (including weapons platforms), the Bullet cruises at up to 35 knots and can reach a top speed of 70 knots. More than a dozen prototypes have been tested and the first full scale Bullet is due to be inflated next month, with test flights slated to begin in the summer.
The Bullet 580 and Sustainability
In addition to its sustainability advantage over conventional aircraft due to the minimal amount of energy needed to keep it aloft once it is airborne, the Bullet 580 features a water condensate recovery system that reduces the need to replenish helium. Though biofuels are not highlighted in the company’s recent press materials, back in 2008 a Bullet prototype was tested with for the U.S. Navy to demonstrate its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities using algae-based biodiesel fuel. That test showcased the increased efficiency resulting from placement of the flight deck within the Bullet’s nose cone, in contrast to the familiar exterior placement underneath conventional blimps.
Old Tech, New Tech, Green Tech
Until recently, airships haven’t changed much since the lumbering behemoths first took to the skies, but as with the rediscovery of flywheels, new green tweaks are positioning the old technology to play a key role in a more sustainable future. Along with the potential for using algae biofuels, airships of the future may rely heavily on solar power. In addition to military, commercial and research uses, airships could also replace fossil fuel-gobbling aircraft for vacation, recreation and high performance private use, as illustrated by new concepts for luxury solar powered airships and “flying solar powered sailboats.”
Image: Prototype 125-foot Bullet Airship in flight by E-Green Technologies.
Source: greencarcongress.com
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About Tina Casey
I would love to take a ride in a blimp. It looks like a cool way to fly.
I would love to take a ride in a blimp. It looks like a cool way to fly.
I may be way off, but 1000 lb. doesn’t sound like a ton of cargo for a huge blimp. Is the comma off a fe places?
The speed seems impressive though and the use of alternative fuels is encouraging.
I may be way off, but 1000 lb. doesn’t sound like a ton of cargo for a huge blimp. Is the comma off a fe places?
The speed seems impressive though and the use of alternative fuels is encouraging.
Chris,
That 1000 lb number is what the company quotes in its press releases. So, I’m with you, that sounds a *bit* low.
Chris,
That 1000 lb number is what the company quotes in its press releases. So, I’m with you, that sounds a *bit* low.
Is the 1000 lb payload in addition to the human cargo, or separate from it?
Is the 1000 lb payload in addition to the human cargo, or separate from it?
On the payload;
“1000 lbs” First off, it’s easier to work in the metric system:
235 feet is 71.6 meters
71.6 meters x 18 meters, gives a volume (max) of 17,803 cub. meters. Of hydrogen, that gives a lift of nearly 200,000 kg, or 200 tonnes. BUT the weight of the craft, frame, engines, skin will be most of this, leaving only 450 kg (~ 1000 lbs.) as payload.
LTA craft (imo) only ‘work’ at a threshold size of about 250 meters and larger. 450 meter size (1,477 feet) gives a payload potential of ~ 1000 tonnes
1000 meters, gives a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 tonnes, and a payload of ~ 20,000 tonnes. A trend is apparent.
(A metric tonne (*1000 kg) is a similar size to and imperial ton.)
On the payload;
“1000 lbs” First off, it’s easier to work in the metric system:
235 feet is 71.6 meters
71.6 meters x 18 meters, gives a volume (max) of 17,803 cub. meters. Of hydrogen, that gives a lift of nearly 200,000 kg, or 200 tonnes. BUT the weight of the craft, frame, engines, skin will be most of this, leaving only 450 kg (~ 1000 lbs.) as payload.
LTA craft (imo) only ‘work’ at a threshold size of about 250 meters and larger. 450 meter size (1,477 feet) gives a payload potential of ~ 1000 tonnes
1000 meters, gives a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 tonnes, and a payload of ~ 20,000 tonnes. A trend is apparent.
(A metric tonne (*1000 kg) is a similar size to and imperial ton.)
did i understand you guys correctly they are using hydrogen instead of helium? let me just inform you that hydrogen is very dangerous. Whats max alltitdue of this ballon with how big of a payload? 500kg payload is nothing and if this is achieved with hydrogen. Hydrogen is very risky imo.