Pathfinder 1, which currently holds the record as the world's largest airship, has been unveiled as it is set to undergo flight tests for the first time.
Pathfinder 1: World's Largest Airship
The gigantic Pathfinder 1 spans around 121.9 meters in length. This makes it nearly double the Boeing 747-8 quad jet's length, which holds the record as the world's longest airship.
For vertical launch, the massive craft also utilized around a million cubic feet of helium and 12 electric motors. It also rushes at a speed of 120 kmph.
The creation of the airship is attributed to LTA Research, a firm that is supported by Sergey Brin, a co-founder of Google. According to the creators, aircraft like this may potentially reduce the carbon footprint that comes with shipping and travel.
The Pathfinder 1 holds the record as the largest aircraft ever built since the Hindenburg craft blew up in 1937. This Hindenburg craft spanned 245 meters.
The Hindenburg was full of hydrogen, which was extremely flammable. Unlike this, the Pathfinder 1 makes use of non-reactive and safe helium that is kept in 13 airbags. Up to 10,000 carbon fiber-reinforced poles as well as 3,000 titanium hubs hold each rip-stop nylon bag in place.
As helium prices fluctuate due to shortages, it may take $250,000 to $1 million to fill the Pathfinder 1.
According to LTA Research, they use advanced lidar technology to consistently track the gas levels the balloon holds.
The craft's full frame is covered in Tedlar, a type of synthetic material that LTA Research claims to be resistant to fire and UV light.
The Pathfinder 1 also adapts drone technology, which will make it easy to fly. It will also only need a single pilot at any given time with the help of a fly-by-wire joystick system.
One day, the craft will be capable of carrying tons of cargo over a stretch of hundreds of miles. However, at present, it can only hover a couple of feet over the ground.
The craft has been in the works since 2016. According to LTA Research, they are working on the development of an aircraft that is even bigger, the Pathfinder 3.
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Pathfinder 1's Flight Tests
The designers of the airship say that in the next few months and weeks, the LTA Research team will put the airship through thorough testing in order to make sure that it is reliable and safe.
The craft was granted a special airworthiness certificate back in September. Since then, it has been undergoing its early flight tests at Palo Alto Airport, Moffet Field, and some areas in San Francisco Bay.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s LTA Research company has been granted a launch license for its Pathfinder 1 airship. The... Posted by DW Business on Friday, October 27, 2023
It took its first test flight on September 8. During this time, it stayed tethered to a mobile tripod and stayed slightly over the ground for the full duration. Further tests will enable the airship to soar up to 1,500 feet above the ground and move beyond bay waters.
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