Imo
We got to read some of Kroplin's research work while he was still apart of our adventure. From what I remember A) The segmented design is to handle the winds better .. a football shaped airship catches too much wind and gets blown off course. ( Maybe we need to make each segment more of a ball shape? Would that help with patent infringements on Kroplins design? And aren't the aerodynamics of a ball shaped object a better concept anyway .. just thinking about planet's shape as they hurtle through space .. why are they all ball shaped?
B) The segmented design allows the platform to bend as unseen forces push down and can break the back of a traditional shape airship as it ascends / rises higher up
I read in a military article a while back .. that they wanted at least a 7 day loiter time capability for these LTA platforms. I believe it was a statosheric model that they were talking about .. but hey I'm sure they'd be happy @ 20 000' too .. if, IF our Ohio friends can solve that issue too.
Kroplins Ethane or fuel gas filled platform was said to have a few days of on-station loiter capability. The highly flammable gas was contained in expandable bag type material. The Hindenburg disaster stopped the airship revolution many years ago. Even though reports indicate it was the cover doping that caught fire first .. before ALL the flammable gases within .. I imagine that is why Kroplins design has yet to make main stream?
The all new redesigned Argus platform had what looked like a gasoline engine & the redesigned pod had a metal based gas tank. The problem then was, however, that the Argus had an 8 hr flight limit capability.
The good news .. the desire for high altitude station keeping is greater than ever. We know all the components needed to accomplish this goal are getting smaller all the time .. technology is getting better .. people are getting smarter & our team consists of a group, from an area, who lay claim to first flight! I imagine they're trying everything possible to add LTA UAS @ all altitude to their claim ; )
Thanks Indy, Drew, Glynn & team for keeping the dream alive .. good luck
“In my thought I have seen ring’s of smoke through the trees,
And the voices of those who stand looking.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it really makes me wonder.”
“Stairway To Heaven”...Led Zeppelin IV
