Lighter-Than-Air

While our website primarily focuses on fixed-wing aircraft, within our community some members also share their passion for lighter-than-air aircraft like airships, blimps and balloons.

Popular Lighter-Than-Air Aircraft Discussed:

• Zeppelins – Members discuss the historic Zeppelin airships from early 20th century and modern day replicas and reproductions.

• Blimps – Airship enthusiasts post photos and discuss Goodyear, Graf, and other blimp designs.

• Solar balloons – Members interested in solar balloon technologies and challenges for powering high altitude airships.

• Lifting body balloons – Discussions of modern balloon designs that generate lift via aerodynamic shaping in addition to buoyancy.

Key Topics:

• Advantages – Members highlight the unique capabilities of airships for long endurance, low speed flight.

• Challenges – LTA enthusiasts discuss challenges like weather dependency, complexity and infrastructure needs.

• Civilian uses – Potential applications for cargo delivery, aerial photography, and advertising.

• Military uses – Current and historic uses of airships for reconnaissance, surveillance and cargo transport.

• Cutaway balloons – Members share photos and experiences related to open basket and gondola hot air balloons.

While a niche within our broader aviation community, members with an appreciation for lighter-than-air flight enjoy sharing photos and discussing the aesthetics, capabilities and challenges of airships, blimps and balloons. We celebrate the graceful soar of these vintage yet still innovative aircraft.