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Cargo dirigibles can access remote areas, rival fixed-wing freighters

MORE fuel-efficient dirigible cargo ships have the potential to be a leader in the transport and delivery of goods, particularly, in remote areas or extreme environments lacking ports, says the man who makes them.

Aeroscraft CEO and chief engineer Igor Pasternak said dirigible cargo ships will compete with fixed wing air freighters, reported San Francisco's Supply Management Review.

Mr Pasternak said Aeroscraft, an FAA-certified lighter-than-air (LTA) manufacturing company, can easily move large 'project" cargo and accommodate shipping containers and cargo on pallets.

"The Aeroscraft's cargo bay will measure (LWH) 220'x 40'x 30' on the smaller 66-ton payload aircraft (ML866), much larger on our 250 ton aircraft.

"Aeroscrafts will also consume less than 1/3 that of freighters on a per ton-mile basis by using helium to stay aloft (static lift), and propulsion simply to move forward and overcome aerodynamic drag," said Mr Pasternak.

"We anticipate these vehicles will empower traditional energy, alternative energy, project engineering, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and other global industries by reducing their unique logistics challenges for specialty cargo," he said.

"The Aeroscraft will help with product movement while retaining warranty in some cases, reduce on-site final assembly (time/cost) in others, overcome seasonal limitations like ice road deliveries, or deliver other project management benefits like shorter development schedules and reduction of idled equipment and manpower."

He said Aeroscrafts could also expand service capabilities for perishable cargo, move hazardous belly cargo, enhance security for sensitive cargo, or facilitate introduction of multi-day global delivery services.

"I expect cargo airships may serve ocean cargo carriers by moving containers from more remote areas with insufficient road/rail infrastructure to main container terminals, and facilitate similar reverse distribution in the Arctic and Asia Pacific regions."

Such aircraft could also serve ocean-based logistics providers by speeding delivery to countries lacking an ocean harbour. With the capability to precisely deploy cargo from hover (landing not required), or on-board cargo while hovering, Aeroscraft can also expedite cargo movement to and from off-shore container vessels.