An aerostat is a floating aircraft. It can float in the sky because it is filled with a substance, which is lighter than air, such as hydrogen, helium or just plain hot air!
The Montgolfer Brothers made the first recorded flight of a hot-air balloon on June 5, 1783 in France. They started with hot air but moved onto hydrogen (the lightest of all gasses) because they thought it was more stable and a more efficient means of lifting the balloon. Made of rubberized silk, the balloon they were in reached a height of 85 feet and later that year they actually flew their balloon over 7 miles, all the way to Paris!
The military applications drew the interest of many countries, especially after the United States began to use the balloons for spotting enemy activity during the Civil War. Most European Countries began research into this flying phenomenon. Balloons do come in several designs. Most are the typical round bag is used in sport and weather balloons.
But the researchers needed something more rigid. This was before the Wright Brothers and these researchers envisioned great ships of the air, carrying people in comfort over long distances. The concept, known as the dirigible, was born. Dirigible designs are long and sausage shaped. They are divided into airships with rigid frames, called zeppelins, and ones with no frame, called blimps.
Your country has come to you! They need your help! They want you to design an airship, which they can put into commercial use. You can use a balloon design or a dirigible design but it needs to be big enough to seat all 40 members of the Viking Olympic Drinking Team! (Remember, these guys are prone most of the time!)
You may use hot air, helium or hydrogen but, if you use hydrogen, remember the Hindenburg! Hydrogen can become unstable so please be careful! Once your design is complete, post it here. The greatest military minds your country has to offer will determine whether your design can be turned into a money making proposition!
Good Luck!
 |
 |
|
| Candace |
Dean |
|
 |
 |
|
| Mary Jo |
Ines |
|
 |
 |
| Maureen |
Mary Lou |
