Replies to post #436365 on Tornado Alley (PROG)

[DesertDrifter]

Okay, little propulsion needed, only minor amounts are needed for vertical motion and some lateral motion when the stratosphere can be used for most propulsion needs. And you are assuming you are getting all the information accurately. Our military probably has reasons for filtering it somewhat.
Was just sharing some background.

It can be done with basically zero propulsion, I was talking about the technology needed, not the particular airship.

[DesertDrifter]

Incidentally, since you were correcting the propulsion abilities, let's keep the media honest. The press is calling it a balloon, which, if your solar panel and rudder propulsion you mentioned is accurate, would make it by definition an airship and not a balloon.

There are two kinds of floating lighter-than-air or LTA craft: the balloon and the airship. A balloon is an unpowered LTA craft that can lift. An airship is a powered LTA craft that can lift and then maneuver in any direction against the wind.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=balloon+vs.+airship

So no wonder there is confusion.