The Patroller 3, designed by Bruce Blake (RIP) as illustrated above is a semi-buoyant UD airship design, suiting surveillance and patrol duties. Luffships Limited (LSL) plans to further develop the design and provide them, but with H2 power instead of hydro-carbon fuels together with electric drive thrust systems and LSL’s own ways to configure the airship for purposes intended. The design enables its crew to work in shirt-sleeves in quiet, low-vibration comfort over several days.
Loiter ability allows the crew to observe and report with unrivalled ease, either at low or high altitude for safety. Long endurance at moderate airspeed or dash airspeed for rapid relocation are enabled. In addition, integration of day/night vision systems allows problematic situations to be found and the aircraft provides a steady roving command centre able to track/follow & direct action.
Applications
As well as use for national security, the Patroller 3 also would be suitable for use in scientific and environmental applications. Examples include oceanographic study, monitoring whales and other sea creatures, oil slick, garbage and fisheries patrol, as well as inland waterways/regional survey.
Features
Originally designed as a coastal patrol type, but great for wide-ranging inland duties, the Patroller 3 has the following capabilities:
- Roomy, quiet cabin for 4+ crew
- “Spotter” station in the flight compartment
- Workstation with: computing, communications, planning and navigation systems
- Small galley unit
- Two bunks in curtained-off compartment
- Toilet & washbasin at aft end
- Observation stations on starboard side
- Day and night optical systems
- Maximum airspeed around 75 knots
- 100 hour endurance, un-refuelled
- No ground crew for take-off and landing.
See Bruce’s video for more information.
Further information
- For Bruce’s specification and performance charts, please see below.
- For further information please contact LSL.
Specification Table
| Section | Item | Value | Item | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envelope | ||||
| Envelope | Length | 125 ft (38.1 m) | Diameter | 33.6 ft (10.24 m) |
| Envelope | Volume | 85,000 ft3 (2407 m3) | Overall height | 45.6 ft (13.9 m) |
| Envelope | Gross static lift | 5,100 lb (2313 kg) | Heaviness | 10% to 30% |
| Envelope | Take-off | 5,610 lb min (2545 kg) | ||
| Tricycle assy. | ||||
| Tricycle assy. | Overall length | 54 ft (16.46 m) | Height | 11.3 ft (3.44 m) |
| Tricycle assy. | Wingspan | 22.1 ft (6.74 m) | L. gear: stance | 35 ft (10.67 m) |
| Tricycle assy. | Track | 21 ft (6.4 m) | ||
| Cabin | ||||
| Cabin | Length (floor) | 26.6 ft (8.11 m) | Width | 6.5 ft (2 m) |
| Cabin | Headroom | 6.5 ft (2 m) | Floor area | 173 ft2 (52.73 m2) |
| Cabin | Sleeping | 2 bunks | Toilet | 1 aft |
| Cabin | Accomm. | 1 Pilot | Crew | 3 to 5 total |
| Motors | ||||
| Motors | Main | 2 × 130 HP (2 × 97 kW) | Dash | 200 HP (149 kW) |
| Propellers | ||||
| Propellers | Two blade | Ø100 inch (2.54 m) | ||
Envelope
Tricycle assy.
Cabin
Motors
Propellers
Performance charts
