Last months insight into the capability and comparison of three heavy lift helicopters (Link) , could be overshadowed by some leaked footage I found of a concept Super Blimp by aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Named the P-791, it looks as if it is powered and steered via four separate propellers. Two propellers at the rear potentially for propulsion and vectoring. Whilst unusually one fixed too either side possibly to assist with an air cushioning system or ground control ability.
None the less, this concept has endless possibility for airborne heavy lift. In the late ninties Lockheed worked on a similiar project called the Aerocraft, the 800ft long proposal supposedly was to have a lift capacity of over 1 million pounds, and move at a speed of up to 125 knots.
If those figures were anywhere near achievable then, 10 odd years later through this concept, the Lockheed Martin Turbo Super Blimp, could well and truly give business an extra option to conventional airfreight or seafreight if viewed commercially, otherwise offer military a new toy with unheard of unique characteristics that could be utilized along the lines of surveilance or high altitude command posts.
(November 21st, 2007). Lockheed-Martin "Skunk Works" P791 LTA ACLS dynmicpara. [online] Youtube; courtesy of user: dynmicpara. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 6 Aug 2009].
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