Keywords
Citation
(1998), "New Zeppelin NT airship takes to the air", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770eab.024
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
New Zeppelin NT airship takes to the air
New Zeppelin NT airship takes to the air
Keywords Airship, Tubing, TW Metals
Stainless steel and aluminium tubing supplied by TW Metals Ltd, formerly Tubesales (UK) Ltd has been included in the construction of the new Zeppelin NT airship which has successfully completed its maiden flight (Plate 15).
Built by Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH, the airship is housed in a specially-built hangar at Friedrichshafen Airport, in Germany. It is from here that it will undergo an extensive series of test flights over the coming months. After testing the airship is due to obtain its certificate of air worthiness from the German Federal Aviation Authority, before becoming available for commercial use. The target is for commercial service by Summer 1999.
Equipped with carrying capacity for 14 people, the Zeppelin NT has a 75m overall length, a diameter of 14.2m and a total volume of 8,225m3. One key passenger benefit is a noise- and vibration-free cabin.
Using new technology to develop a safe and economical airship, the Zeppelin NT uses non-flammable helium as the lifting gas. Its three engines give a maximum speed of 80mph, a cruising speed of 70mph, a maximum altitude of 8,200 feet and a flight time of 14 hours at full payload. It has excellent manoeuvrability and an all weather capability.
Plate 15 The new Zeppelin NT airship
contains stainless steel and aluminium tubing supplied by TW Metals Ltd
The primary structure, extending over the entire length of the airship consists of triangular frames and three rows of longerons, braced with diagonal ties to form a rigid spatial framework. Aluminium alloy, titanium and carbon fibre composite materials have reduced the total weight by 50 per cent, compared with previous rigid airships.
The Zeppelin NT is designed for such uses as scientific research, commuter services in inaccessible areas, tourism, television coverage and advertising. Preliminary supply contracts have already been signed with four customers.
For further information contact TW Metals Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1703 739333; Fax: +44 (0) 1703 739601.