Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT)

[fuzzy]

Lockheed Martin Corp. will give the media a first look at its Hybrid Airship prototype at the defense giant's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale on Wednesday.

The 21-metric-ton airship has been touted as a way to deliver heavy cargo and personnel to remote locations that may be inaccessible to trucks and other more traditional forms of transportation. Atlanta-based Hybrid Enterprises is the exclusive reseller of the airships.

Lockheed Martin has said the airship will be able to carry up to 47,000 pounds and burn less fuel than conventional aircraft.

The Hybrid Airship is the result of more than 20 years' worth of research. In 2006, the company flew a half-scale prototype -- the P-791 -- in Palmdale and completed all of its in-flight test objectives.



The Hybrid Airship is just the latest of similar vehicles that their makers are betting can disrupt cargo transportation.