Lighter than Air Vehicles

The chequered history of balloons and airships is reviewed and the various types are defined. Properties and applications of lifting gases are given together with techniques of operation both in free flight and in proximity to the ground. Airship aerodynamics, performance, and powerplant considerations are covered as also are typical component mass contributions. There is a description of construction materials and methods. Safety issues are discussed and with economic considerations are used to draw conclusions of future prospects. Keywords: balloons; airships; light gases; pressure envelopes; rigids; design features; safety; prospects