Boeing-Vertol Helipsoid
Boeing-Vertol Helipsoid
Boeing-Vertol Helipsoid
1. Introduction
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The Boeing Vertol team study reported: “In every mission case
analyzed, except for the 5,000 n.mi. range intercontinental mission,
the Helipsoid concept appears superior by a wide margin and is
therefore selected as the vehicle concept demonstrating the highest
potential for a future airship.” The transcontinental freight mission,
initially carrying a 50 ton (45,359 kg, 45 metric tons) payload over
2,000 n.mi. (3,704 km) was established as the most promising airship
mission.” A conventional non-rigid airship performed best on the
intercontinental mission.
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Helipsoid airship general arrangement and scale for an envelope volume of
200,000 m3 (7,063,000 ft3). Source: Boyko (2001)
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The semi-buoyant Helipsoid was evaluated at buoyancy ratios (static
buoyancy / max. gross weight) ranging from 30% to 75% (low to
moderate buoyancy). Like the semi-buoyant Aereon Dynairship and
the Ohio Airships Dynalifter, a Helipsoid can fly almost like a short
takeoff and landing (STOL) fixed-wing aircraft. On the ground, it is
relatively unaffected by light-to-moderate wind and gust effects and
can taxi unassisted to a parking spot and be quite stable on the
ground without the need for a ground crew.
With its powerful prop / rotors, the Helipsoid can, within certain gross
weight limits, hover and make vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL)
with precise dynamic lift control.
3. Parametric analysis
With relatively frequent stops, the flight altitude is only 330 ft (100 m).
The pilot-optional vehicle follows a fixed route lane guided by ground-
located electronic beams sending signals to the autopilot in the
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airship. Each passenger station consists of a platform at an elevation
of 66 ft (20 m) above the ground, with a staging area to enable rapid
passenger debarkation and loading.
Navy missions
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1961. The ZPG-3W remains the largest non-rigid airship that has
ever flown.
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low profile of the ellipsoid hull (relative to a conventional cylindrical
hull) reduces the below-grade depth of the hangar.
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• Y.S. Boyko, “Aeronautics: Tethered, Free, Managed,” p. 352 (in
Russian), ISBN 5.8122-0233-8, Publishing house MGUP,
Moscow, Russia, 2001
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