A blimp, better known as a non-rigid airship, is an airship that does not have an internal supporting framework or keel. Unlike the rigid and a semi-rigid airship, the blimp has neither a complete framework nor a partial keel to help the airbag maintain its shape. Instead, the internal strength of the envelope and the higher pressure of the lifting gas is what these blimps depend on to retain their shape.
Nephelios, Solar powered blimps:
A group of engineering students in France have come up with a stunning solar power blimp that is suspended to take flight by harnessing sunlight for fuel. Titled with the name Nephelios, the airship is made from lightweight aluminum with an outer wrap made from nylon and polyethylene, which is filled with helium. The 22-meter-long blimp capable of carrying only one passenger is powered by semi-flexible solar cells, which are capable of generating 2.4 kilowatts of power with zero emissions. The helium filled balloon, with 250m3 internal volume, has a lift capability of 350kgs (772lbs) with 100kgs (221lbs) allocated to the pilot’s weight.
Part of the Sol’R project, Nephelios was unveiled at the French Air Show in Le Bourget, where it was well received and much-admired for reviving new life into the airship.
Solar Blimp that rest on water:
A Spanish-based company called Turtle Airships is working to build a luxurious solar-powered aircraft that can take passengers from New York to Paris. This blimp will be powered by lightweight photovoltaic cells. What makes the design interesting is its potential to rest both on land as well as on water.
The first airship prototype will be propelled in two nontraditional ways. The outer surface of the ship will be roofed with lightweight photovoltaic cells (CIG). The cells are expected to generate enough power to move the aircraft at around 40 mph in average conditions, or at around 70 horsepower. In addition to CIG PV cells, the solar powered blimp is equipped with a diesel drive train for those non-sunny days. This innovative way to fly allows extensive reduction of carbon emissions while diesel drive trains operate in cloudy weather or at night.
The most affordable solar powered airship:
This brilliant solar powered gadget from Solar Museum looks a load more fun than the other solar powered blimps. The black Solar Airship works simply by filling it with fresh air, which gives it a sausage shape measuring a good 8 meters. When the sun rays fall on its black film outer layer, the sunlight is absorbed warms the air inside and you can see the blimp rise into the atmosphere. This groundbreaking solar powered airship could be yours for only £10, which is a great bargain.
A green blimp from DARPA:
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is on its way to create a massive, unmanned airship, which would hover at an altitude of about 70,000 feet above the earth’s surface. The ISIS (Integrated Sensor is Structure program) airship aims to provide a detailed, real-time picture of all movement on or above the battlefield that will help detect and track enemies.
This blimp will come integrated with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna and will be powered by solar energy during the day, and hydrogen fuel cells can be run at night using water electrolyzed in the day. Its large aperture adds to the highly sensitive nature and is expected to be only one centimeter thick. First, the 1:3 scale demonstration model will be built and be used to calibrate various performance characteristics. This will take military surveillance capabilities to a whole new level.