Airships have multirole future
Airship producer Aeroscraft says lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft have an advantage over other ISR platforms, particularly in roles such as coastal patrol and port security, as FAA certification process continues for the company’s 40E Sky Dragon.
On 22 December the firm announced that following the completion of airship ballonet and control surface fabrication, work will now begin on assembling its envelope and gondola, which is expected to continue in 2016.
The 40E Sky Dragon is planned to have a vectored thrust capability with the propulsion design permitting for heavier take-off loads. The airship will be capable of speed up to 100kts
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Stockholm prepares to choose between three European frigate proposals]()
Stockholm prepares to choose between three European frigate proposals
Sweden’s Luleå frigate programme is gathering momentum, with a Saab and Babcock joint proposal and Navantia and Naval Group each presenting distinct propositions for a quartet of warships.
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
