New generation of airships to transport goods around the world
The US space agency NASA is working on a project aimed at revolutionising the way cargo is transported around the world. A new generation of airships using helium rather than hydrogen is set to transport goods around the world that could replace ships, railways and lorries as a means of carrying freight. The first prototype is expected to make its maiden voyage next year.
Scientists leading the project predict airships capable of carrying hundreds of tonnes of cargo at a time will be airborne by the end of the decade. It comes more than 70 years after the Hindenburg disaster, which brought to an end the earlier airship era. With the development of modern materials and aerodynamics knowledge gained from the space race means that the new generation will be capable of safely carrying loads that could not be carried before.
Category: Airships / Technology / Cargo
