LBAs’ derived lenticular buoyant aircraft, ultimately for heavy lift transport point-to-point, stem from the AeroRaft’s design. They are smaller omni-directional (OD) Luffships for useful duties with routine vertical launch/capture plus payload pick&put ability from/to small sites anywhere. Our goal is to use them for growth that reliably builds the industry to reach and exceed former large airships’ ability, as illustrated below, but in easier ways that overcome the issues of history. This needs purpose-driven types for success in the 21st Century able to compete with other aircraft and create new business in areas that 29th Century aircraft didn’t manage very well.
In order to manage development with low risk/cost, we are pursuing a progressive way with derived versions starting small, as below. These projects lead to the proposals for future seriously heavy-lift types envisioned, such as the LS-L150 shown above in scale next to the LZ129 to:
- Undertake duties with up to 150 tonne payloads, perhaps eventually 1000 tonne Luffships.
- Provide global aerial cruising services.
- Serve special and high altitude duties with exceptional long endurance/range
For an introduction to LBA’s buoyant aircraft, see our briefing document (available from contact).
Derived Versions
Derived lenticular types prepared are as follows:
Mini airships – Unmanned Indoor and Outdoor Types
Aerostats – Tethered and Fully Captured
- Low Captured Aerostats as overhead projection screens and shelters
- Tethered Aerostats for elevated aerial platform duties
- Specialised free flying gas balloons
- Nursery Balloons for LTA gas storage and handling
- Skirts, covers and fabric structures needed for ground purposes
Dirigibles – Manned or Unmanned
- Normal Category Luffships as patrollers and for light buoyant aircraft duties
- Natural Gas Transport Luffships
- Commuter Category Luffships with pick&put ability
- Transport Category Luffships with pick&put ability as aerial-cranes for general duties
- Large Transport Category Luffships with pick&put ability as aerial-cranes for serious payloads with exceptional endurance and range
Note: The categories (Balloons, Normal, Commuter and Transport) are EASA & FAA airworthiness authority terms for different buoyant aircraft sizes/types.