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Development of an airship for tropical rain forest canopy exploration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

G. E. Dorrington
G. E. Dorrington*
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, Queen Mary, University of London, UK
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Abstract

The design, manufacture and testing of a 480 cubic metre helium-filled airship, or dirigible balloon, intended for flight above tropical rain forest canopy is outlined. The requirements for the airship and the preliminary sizing method are set-out. Details of the final design and flight test results are included, as well as suggestions concerning future work. Particular attention is paid to the issue of accurate station-keeping and operation close to the canopy with winds present. It is concluded that the development of a truly useful aerial platform for canopy biological studies requires further research in aerodynamics, dynamic simulation and ultra-quiet propulsion systems.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 109 , Issue 1098 , August 2005 , pp. 361 - 372
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2005 

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