This Is What's Inside an Airship

Wondering how lighter-than-air ships steer and stay aloft? Take a look at the guts of the new Aeroscraft.

By Kalee Thompson

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January 1, 2014 6:30 AM

The Aeroscraft uses a buoyancy system called COSH, for Control of Static Heaviness, which is inspired by submarine technology. The system eliminates the need for runways and ground crews. That could make this airship ideally suited for moving heavy cargo to remote locations.

BUOYANCY

Aeros's first planned production model will have 18 helium tanks (1). To increase lift, the pilot releases helium, which is much lighter than air, from the tanks into the large envelope (2) that makes up most of the volume of the ship (cargo hold not shown). This applies pressure to the four large air bladders (3) located along the sides of the Aeroscraft.

As the bladders are squeezed, much of this air is expelled to the outside. The overall density of the Aeroscraft decreases and the ship rises. To descend, the pilot reverses the process. Three powerful compressors (not shown) force the helium from the envelope back into the storage tanks. A partial vacuum develops inside the envelope and the airbags expand, pulling in dense air from outside the ship. The Aeroscraft sinks. (The transfer of air is assisted by a system of fans and valves.) In flight, the Aeroscraft's shape helps it de-velop some additional lift, but this is not needed for takeoff and maneuvering.