The Airship Prize

From aviationweek.com: “A lot more detail on the US Army’s plans to test an unmanned hybrid airship for persistent surveillance has emerged in an updated solicitation for the Long Endurance Multi-INT Vehicle (LEMV) demonstration – which is expected to lead to a deployment in Afghanistan.

A hybrid airship combines buoyant, aerodynamic and propulsive lift to make it easier to launch and recover than a true lighter-than-air aircraft.” Staying Up, Staring Down – LEMV Airship

From Kent News: “This unusual looking aircraft is set to be the first solar-powered airship to cross the English Channel from France to Kent. Forward thrust is provided by two large propellers, while lift is taken care of by the massive helium filled tube. And it will get all its power directly and exclusively by the sun. Rays will be captured by a spine of flexible solar panels running down the middle of the balloon.” (more…)

From The Toledo Blade: “There are all kinds of interesting aircraft around Toledo Express Airport or flying in and out, but the one that seems to have elicited the most intrigue is about eight inches off the ground and resting on scaffolding. “We have all kinds of people stop and look, especially when the [hangar] doors are open,” explained Fred Rist, a native of Pemberville.” (more…)