Tethered Flight Of The Carbon-And-Aluminum Frame Fully Rigid Airship

The Aeroscraft, which has been under development by Aeros Corp. since 1996, made its first tethered flight September 7, though shifting winds at the former military base in Tustin, CA, where the project is being developed, prevented an untethered flight test.

The Pentagon and NASA have supported the development of the Aeroscraft to the tune of some $50 million, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times. The Dragon Dream airship has a rigid skeleton of aluminum and carbon fiber covered in a Mylar fabric. It obtains its lift from Helium-filled bladders.

The FAA gave its blessing to the airship's airworthiness September 5, setting the stage for the first flight.

Gizmodo reports that the aircraft that flew last week is about half the size of the planned full-scale airship, which would be more than 400 feet long and have a payload of 66 tons.

Th test at Tustin lasted about two hours, according to the LA Times. It got the attention of many in the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as people driving by the facility. A crew of two was on board for the inagural flight.

A spokesman for Aeros Corporation told Gizmag that the first untethered flight was planned "very soon," and was expected to reach an altitude of about 100 feet.

(Image provided by Aeros Corp.)

FMI: http://aeroscraft.com/aeroscraft/4575666071