Silent Flight: PV Powered Blimps

"Bret Cahill" wrote in message
oups.com...
It's surprising there aren't more solar powered blimps for tours of
canyons.

The last time I checked, a canyon is about the worst place in the world for
a blimp. First, it is a confined space. Blimps are not particularly
maneuverable, and a confined space requires maneuverability. Second, canyons
have swirling winds. Blimps are pretty tough to control in those conditions.
Third, canyons have walls, which cast shadows. Shadows put a damper on solar
cells.

The forest service could use them to count big horn sheep and
other lildlife. If the weather was fair, wouldn't you like to take a
quiet ride in an airship? Maybe sneak up on a mule deer . . .

There's no question conventional PV would get a blimp going over 25
mph. Boeing's new 40% efficient PV would move an airship at 30 - 35
mph.

Right. Until a cloud blew over (or you flew into the shadow of a canyon
wall). Then you'd need a hell of a lot of battery capacity (and weight) to
power your blimp.


The first PV airship should be named the "Pronghorn."


Bret Cahill