Airships Re-Emerging in the Climate Change Era

Source: This post on Airships Re-Emerging in the Climate Change Era has been created based on the article “How climate change is bringing back the idea of airships” published in Indian Express on 8th November 2024.

Why in news?

Airships were pioneers in powered flight in the early 20th century. Originally viewed as the future of travel but lost favor due to technology limitations and the rapid evolution of airplanes. Today, they are mostly used for advertising, scientific observation, military purposes, and tourism.

About Airships

1. Airships, sometimes referred to as dirigibles or blimps, are lighter-than-air aircraft that float due to the use of a gas such as helium or hydrogen, which is less dense than the air around it.

2. Their history is marked by unique design and engineering approaches that allowed them to operate as some of the earliest forms of controlled aerial transportation.

3. The concept of airships dates back to the 18th century, with pioneers like the Montgolfier brothers experimenting with balloons. However, it was in the 19th and early 20th centuries that airships truly took shape.

4. These rigid airships, commonly known as Zeppelins, became immensely popular for passenger and military use due to their ability to cover long distances and carry significant cargo or passengers.

5. Airships are classified based on their structure:

i) Rigid Airships: These have an internal frame that holds the shape regardless of the gas levels. The famous Zeppelins fall into this category.

ii) Semi-Rigid Airships: They have some structural support but rely on the gas to maintain most of their shape.

iii) Non-Rigid Airships (Blimps): These are essentially large balloons without any internal framework, relying entirely on gas pressure to maintain their shape.

6. Airships control altitude by releasing ballast or venting gas, while propulsion systems usually propellers powered by engines allow them to navigate horizontally. Because they float, they are highly energy-efficient and can stay airborne for extended periods.

Modern Uses and Revival

1. Today, airships are experiencing a revival for uses such as aerial surveillance, environmental monitoring, advertising, and tourism.

2. Technological advances have made them safer and more practical. Modern airships often use helium, a non-flammable gas, to reduce fire risks.

3. In addition to industrial applications, airships are gaining attention for their environmental benefits, as they emit far less carbon dioxide compared to airplanes.

Future Potential and Environmental Benefits

Airships offer a low-pollution alternative to traditional freight. With increasing attention on the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, airships may become a greener choice, as they do not rely on fossil fuels for lift and can reach remote locations inaccessible by trucks or ships.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology