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When was the last time you saw a blimp?… no they are not just used in football games. The Free-flying aircraft is about to get a much needed make-over thanks to an Australian company called SkyLifter.

The tethered balloon airship has had the same design since the 1900’s and only now has it been realized, that  a circular design would allow the wind to go around the shape much like water flowing around a smooth pebble.

Their design brings together many systems already proven and in use in industry, such as:

1. The symmetrical discus (lenticular) aerostat (balloon) which removes the need for SkyLifter to turn to face into wind and greatly simplifies payload handling.
2. The even distribution of payload via the suspension lines which removes the need to build heavy and complex internal support structures.
3. The propulsion and directional control is provided by several cycloidal propeller systems, providing almost instant vectored thrust in the horizontal and vertical planes. The system also provides additional active automated stability control.

With a top speed of 80km/h and a maximum payload of 150 tonnes, SkyLifters are not designed to fly as fast. Its primary function is the unique heavy-airlift capability; vertical crane lift for pick-up and precise delivery of anything, anywhere.

[Cheers core77.com]