One webpage debunked the myths about airships. But someone may ask, "if they are so good, why aren't they being used?". I guess that is what they call a good question. One thing about them is that they aren't mass produced like autos. The prices on these things are much higher than you might think.
JP Aerospace may be working on an airplane that is lighter than air, if you can believe that. I can recall seeing a reference to it in their literature. The rigid structures are full of air, which makes the plane feel sturdy, but it is very light. This isn't a new idea. I once saw a picture of a plane taking off which was basically a balloon in the shape of an airplane.
If you can make it aerodynamic and combine it with a lightweight and powerful engine, it just may be an interesting bird.
Search Amazon.com for airship design
Update: I looked up some of these on YouTube. Amazing what they could do over 60 years ago.
Work continues, of course. Here is some recent work on the concept.
I found this on an inflatable planes search, but this isn't an inflatable plane. It is made of foam. It isn't something you can carry passengers or crew in, but it looks like a lot of fun.
A video taken less than a year. It costs 12 thousand bucks. I guess that hobby is a bit out of my range.
Here's an editorial about ultra light aircraft and the obstacles that are in place which restrict their freedom. Sound familiar?
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