RE: U.S. Army to get new hybrid blimps for Afghanistan
I think that blimp technology is long over due. I think the applications
area near limitless; communication, surveillance, weaponry,
peaceful application, a 'live' google-maps, shipping, cruising, etc.
Some of the designs I've read, though, seem much improved over
these. Namely in two key areas, 1) they use hydrogen instead of
helium. This allows them to replace Exxon Valdez style tankers, as
they'd just deflate as they got to market. Another is to have the tops
covered in (thin film) solar panels. This way they could actually be
shipped partially full with an on board electrolysis set up... as the unit
flies at higher altitude, it uses the solar power, and the ambient water
in the air to create the hydrogen and fresh water it'd be shipping to
the intended destination.
