Airship Inflated To Create Monster "Stratellite" 204
yoderman94 writes "A huge inflatable vehicle as long as a 23-floor skyscraper is tall has become the world's largest airship in its bid to serve as a stratospheric satellite, or 'stratellite,' according to its developers."
Why dumb down the article? (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Airship (Score:5, Insightful)
Here I was thinking it wasn't a real airship yet because it sounds like they have only filled the balloon, but not attached anything to the balloon yet.
At this point its just a balloon. It still needs its skin, engines, a compartment for pilot and or crew.
They have the air part down, now they just need the ship part.
Re:not largest by any stretch of the imagination (Score:2, Insightful)
If you read the article, they kinda explain that it's the largest MODERN airship. IE, actually built and operational. It fully acknowledges that airships "back in the day" were much larger.
Also, propulsion and power storage are not likely included in that 2,000 lb capacity. Aircraft specs typically state a "useful load" figure, which is what it can typically carry with it's own required weight taken off of the max gross weight.
Worlds largets vs TFA (Score:4, Insightful)
from TFA
But even the modern record-holder for size dwindles in comparison to airships back in their heyday, such as the 804-foot (245 m) Hindenberg.
There must be some strange use of the word "largest" that I don't understand
This will not PROTECT the environment (Score:3, Insightful)
"Our airships are radically different designs that move beyond the performance limitations of traditional blimps or zeppelins by combining advanced technology with simple construction and the ability to fuel with algae, protecting our environment"
Fueling with algae protects the environment as much as buying a Prius. Alternative fuels do not protect the environment, they only reduce the damage slightly.
Re:Huh? (Score:5, Insightful)
It's also clearly not a satellite, as it won't actually be in orbit.
Re:Units (Score:4, Insightful)
No. Unless you have a smart ass that wants to get technical on you.
Re:not largest by any stretch of the imagination (Score:4, Insightful)
It's additionally about the same length as a 747. While saying "the length of a 23 story skyscraper" sounds impressive, it's quite a common thing to have in the sky.
Re:Helium or Hydrogen? (Score:2, Insightful)
The earth only has so much matter left!