Who would like to see the return of huge airships?

Question

Oh the humanity. Are there any plans for a fleet of luxury airships to be made? I think they are cool and would like to do a round the world trip on one.

Answer 1

I think there are many people who would love to see this, in order for it to happen there needs to be a demand and a business plan in order for someone to Invest. I believe it will happen it is not a question of if rather than when.

Regards

Andreas

Editor of Airshipworld

http://airshipworld.blogspot.com

Answer 2

i have seen this pipe dream every now and again but the plans usually come to nothing. The closest yet is in Germany where a semi-diridgibles are fling as tourist rides they are small only carrying about 20 or so people.I would love to see these giants comeback in the guise of cruise ships but whether that would be financial doable  is another matter.  

Answer 3

They are not very economical, and they are slow- lighter than air lifting gases are hot air (fuel hungry); hydrogen (explosive) or helium (expensive).  From a lift power standpoint hydrogen is best- gives the smallest airship for a given payload... and they could be safe- but the Hindenburg video makes people too afraid.  Solar cells- they are really heavy, and don't work at night, so that cuts into payload.

Boeing has started a JV to have a hybrid helicopter/airship- the airship is neutrally buoyant with no payload, and the vertical lift rotors (like a helicopter) only have to lift payload weight (logs- this is for remote site logging at first).  Ideas like that are more useful for now than long range multiday dirigible flights.

Answer 4

You may get your wish

Answer 5

They are returning, not specifically for luxury but for tours and scientific purposes.

http://www.airshipventures.com/

Answer 6

Possibly the Japanese. When a balloon goes up in Japan an air current brings it to the USA west coast very quickley, so this idea has a slim chance of commercial success.

Answer 7

Oh yes. They could be covered with solar cells for power. What a delightful alternative.

Answer 8

With rising fuel costs, actually they are cheaper than the current freight transport infrastructure:  air/rail transloading to trucks for final delivery.  Airships can deliver essentially directly to the site-a considerable savings in time, and money.  This is even more true for remote locations-desert/Arctic.  They also have considerable lifting power per unit of fuel consumed.

AFA passenger use-unlikely; just not profitable.