The Dirigible Project

0 Aerostatics Weliveatthe bottom ocean air closer get ground heavier dense air gets balloon filled light hydrogen heliumV will tend rise until reaches level air around has decreased density point comparatively less-dense gas inside envelope balloon can no longer lift higher balloon will float level aerostatic balance adding subtracting ballast extra weight can control within inches altitude balloon will hover Aerodynamics free balloon aerostat having no power move its own dirigible airship dynamic moving Dirigibles old Zeppelin rigid-frame variety Goodyear-type go limp gas let out referred lighter-than air filled light gas helium days though gas takes care lifting flying machines weight flown little heavy side aerostatically will come down stop moving forward positive angle attack ship moving forward under power provides dynamic lift climb cruise body L 0 04 cit1 0Ject SUCCeSStII tor flearly ship aOO airfoiled Q ho wing Descending combines W airship Worksy Envelope Balloon helium readily available toy party stores small canisters local weldingsupply store florist shop fill balloons 30-inch inflated size latex Blimp Balloon depicted may easy find live However supermarket Porterville California carries can get em ought able get em anywhere Actually long balloon bundle long balloons could work students made tissue-covered Zeppelin using 1/16 balsa sticks stuffed envelope made dry cleaning bag flew make custom envelopes place two layers plastic several layers newspaper Place layer newspaper top plastic trick making the aerostatic heaviness down elevators operate ship moving overcome lifting body As free-flying blimp cant put down elevator flight rely tiny bit extra weight added form modeling-clay ballast bring model down slowly thrustline dirigibles power module low center mass buoyancy high thrust pushing forward tends push nose up little envelope hull rotated around center buoyancy Drag envelope helps well angle climb can controlled within limits up down elevator see drawing increases decreases dynamic lift produced angle attack relative flight path Ip 48 Model Aviation % tJirigff Projecti envelope draw desired outline top sheet newspaper small soldering pencil using slow steady sweep around outline will leave tan scorched trail newspaper Dont forget leave little umbilical filling purposes tan trail newspaper indicates just right amount heat has applied fuse two layers plastic peel everything apart trim plastic bit youll have light fairly leakproof envelope Test leaks using air before inflate envelope 50 cents worth helium Several small round balloons stuffed paper tube cone front end would probably work power gondola light enough 30-inch silver Mylar Zeppelin balloons some party stores have vertical fins already built hold helium much longer latex balloons Heliums molecules farther apart airs will leak out few hoursright through rubber Mylar expensive latex looks funny paper horizontal fins contrasting integral shiny vertical ones Propdkr Aircrew Either tractor pusher propeller will work will made plastic balsa Balsa props generally better theyre lighter have blade area dont have free-wheeling notch plastic props have used combine dirigible project laminated-prop carving lesson Superior Props 9412 Tucson Ave Pensacola FL 32526 has ready-made balsa props sizes work Blades cut Styrofoam cup attached small wooden dowel 450 angle will work well too want make laminated high-pitch long-mn prop just skewer stuck balsa strips pin fan out look right glue lamination turn Using ready-made plastic propeller reference can helpful pusher prop fan balsa strips opposite direction wont have remember crank winder backward fly glue dry use 80-grit garnetpaper sanding stick rough blades shape Finish-sand 220-grit garnet paper June 1996 49 U Bill Warner Large latex blimp-type balloons should easy locate Always test balloon air before filling helium 64 CJTSLOTTOPITffTh.--I6Z23 cORNERSIiiL\1IS MLSASTRPS~ /lBSBB// MOTOR STICKLAMNATE WTI4 / BENT PIN HOOKSEE DETAL// WITHWHTEBIUE / ThREAD-WRAP MOTOR STICK ROUGH UP TUBESLAA020 IAISIC SURFACE GLUEBEAUS E SHAFT TUBE ON BINSJjjjIIIjjj WITH THREAD AND GLUE AGAIN ADD MAJIKINGS WmA FELT MARKERS F DESIRED SAND TO AIRFOIL SHAPE THINNER AT TIPS Photos author Illustrations Jim Kaman Graphic Design Heather Erdahi have flown blImpS classrooms living rooms theaters gyms offices cafeterias museum halls almost type of0 ronment 9 Bill Warner Power Module Make sure balsa use just heavy enough break easily handling Err toward heavier wood kids involved project Saving weight lighter-than air ship however allows modeling-clay ballast can take off keep ship aerostatic balance helium leaks out longer will able keep flying Tail Fins Cut fins schooltype construction paper similar material tail fins add stability model horizontal fins preventing porpoising vertical fins keep airship course rear edges horizontal fins can bent up down elevators rudders vertical fins can bent right left turn craft Inflation Procedure Before inflate balloon have parts ready including roll frosted mending tape two fourinch lengths black vinyl electricians tape Stretch balloon grasping both ends pulling hard 10-20 seconds will prepare filling dont stretch balloon before fill it will look like python swallowed basketball have time inflate balloon air test itI hate losing 1 t/2 cubic feet helium defective balloon breaks Fill balloon approximately 80-90% its maximum capacity Dont let anyone stand too closewhen balloon explodes rubber bits go long way Eye protection recommended though have never experienced injuries always one-in-a-million chance Tie off neck having someone stretch out wrap tie off filler neck thread string Assembly important have helper can give undivided attention holding balloon tape fins power gondola add sufficient ballast keep ship rising About 20% class projects always wound up ceiling despite warnings holder let go until ship properly weighted modeling clay long-enough June1996 51 411 DD14I K 10 UNINFLATED RUBBER BALLOON CONSTRUCTION PAPER P545 ATTACH WITH MAGIC CLAY TO LOWER NOSE ING TAPE I NEEDED 12 NFLATED 30 CLAY OS LOWER TAIL IIFBEEDED MAIN BALLASTWITH MAIN BALLAST TRY PER NEUTRAL BOUYANCY SHIP B LOOP UP mmNEITHER RISES NUN SINKS RUBBER THE BASIC DIRIGIBLE PROJECT blimpS Low-Tech A grocery-store balloon helium paper fins balsa prop rubber motor what could simpler thread filler neck model does slip away can pull down thread providing doesnt explode rough ceiling fins filler-neck end balloon put first parallel airflow Bend out feet bottom fin tape envelope using frosted mending tape save weight Next add power module using black vinyl electricians tape heavy use sparingly once stuck down try peel off . BANG may get away carefully peeling off mending tape fins black vinyl tape Note power module installed slightly ahead center point balloon due need balance weight fins rear Motor nice thing need propel craft forward high speed keep air heavier-than-aM craft can use long weak motor long slow cruises Try long loop 1mm rubber string common #16 rubber bands 12- 24-inch loop about right large-area balsa prop Larger 2mm rubber usually too powerful use tie loop end along single strand Rubber lube can used its necessary no need wind limit Weighing Off Model rubber motor attached weigh off ship aerostatically adding removing ballast until ship hovers approximately eye level Once ship hovers some ballast thats akeady board can moved forward aft level airship horizontally add clay Move power module much can ship too far out trim may have roll little snake clay tape nose tail end Warming clay hands will help stick easily careful break motor stick youre trying attach clay Finally add just enough extra ballast make ship descend very slowly ready fly Flying Dirigible prop shaft oiled rubber lubed little castor 52 Model Aviation ERS LEFT FOR TURN BEND ELEVATORS UP TO INcREASE cUMB ANGLE ADD CLAY TO ANY END THAI PLnATh - DOADDcLAYTO ST O4R ThE OIliER TO KEEP WE WI DOWN AERODYNAMIC LIFT ON AIRO lIP WEIG SLIITLyHEAvD OUT CHASE BALLOON FOR CEILING RETRIEVAL L mu 1 mm rd w tire] i m [1eI mimi] rIiiin MASlE 11 Al RSC REW Master Airscrew propellers develop greater thrust lower rpms Thin airfoil sections efficient tips combine greater thrust noise suppression true tip path engines optimum power band Available six different series broad range diameters pitches Series include distinctive scimitar-shaped S Series semi-scale Classic Series G/F K Series sport flying Nylon props made glass-filled nylon strength durability Wood Series made lightweight kiln-dried beechwood 9 1 6 diameters Heavier maple used 18 24 range Series black glass-filled nylon8x4 8x6$1 49 55x4 55x45$1299x4 9x5 9x6 9x8 95x6$169 6x3 6x35 6x4$12910x6 10x7 10x8$199 7x47x6$13911x6 11x7 11x75 11x9$219 K Series black glass-filled nylon1 14x6 14x8$5 59 12x6 12x8$289 15x8 15x10$659 13x6 13x8$399] 16x6 16x8$759 Classic Series black glass-filled nylon18x6 18x8 18x10$1325 16x6 16x8 16x10$79520x620x820x10$1525 Wood eries beechwood maple14x6 14x8 14x10$555 9x4 9x5 9x6 9x8$21016x6 16x8 16x10$950 10x5 10x6 10x7 10x8. $240 18x6 18x8 18x10 $1500 11x6 11x7 11x8 11x10$27020x620x820x10$1700 12x6 12x8 12x9$34522x822x1022x12$1925 13x6 13x8 13x10$42024x824x1024x12$2100 Scimitar Series charcoal gray glass-fillednylonI 1x6 1x7 1x8$229 7x4 7x5$14912x6 12x8$299 8x48x58x6$15913x6 13x8 13x10$429 9x59x69x7$17914x8 14x10$599 lOxS 10x6 10x7 10x8$209 Wood Series Propellers Electric wood props designed specifically electric flight Wide thin undercambered blades give greater thrust Available following sizes 10x6 10x8$41512x8 12x10$445 11x7 11x9$42513x8 13x10$465 See local Hobby Dealer Master Airscrew Propellers & Accessories WINDSOR PROPELLER COMPANY 3219 Monier Circle ho Cordova CA 95742 631-8385 oil glycerin wind er up mechanical winder invaluable Launching ship simple Aim want go release No throw needed flight path can controlled bending vertical fins act rudders Bending rear parts both top bottom fins left seen rear makes rudders left turn rate climb can controlled bending both horizontal fins up rear climb down less slower ship flies less effective control surfaces will Another way alter climb shift little ballast forward less climb aft too-fast climb can also tamed weaker rubber motor will cut flying speed lessen dynamic lift During high-ceiling flying sessions use chase balloon thread string too heavy sticky-side-out loops frosted mending tape top tape loops will stick underside lost airship can gently steadily pulled down Having Fun After have mastered climbing turning blimp experiment Try get fly straight see long will fly hitting walls ceiling try fly under table touching Make little parachute hang toothpick wound very rear rubber motor motor turns exhausted toothpick parachute will released Make sure weigh off airship before add toothpick will go ceiling parachute released Dream up own stunts have flown blimps classrooms living rooms theaters gyms offices cafeterias museum hallsalmost type indoor environment Just remember take chase balloon ceiling high Some kids tied long thread tails models help get down ceiling Remember Dont fly outdoors until ready say goodbye projectthere sticker bushes always-moving currents air think its dead calm am deeply indebted Bill Watson ideas presented worked Bill Summer Science Workshop program California Museum Science Industry Los Angeles Postscript Once basics aerostatic/aerodynamic nature dirigible airship have learned probably wouldnt require much imagination adapt tiny Kenway electric motor system dirigible new superlight Czech RC systems could also provide directional control 454 Model Aviation 4U

0 Aerostatics Weliveatthe bottom ocean air closer get ground heavier dense air gets balloon filled light hydrogen heliumV will tend rise until reaches level air around has decreased density point comparatively less-dense gas inside envelope balloon can no longer lift higher balloon will float level aerostatic balance adding subtracting ballast extra weight can control within inches altitude balloon will hover Aerodynamics free balloon aerostat having no power move its own dirigible airship dynamic moving Dirigibles old Zeppelin rigid-frame variety Goodyear-type go limp gas let out referred lighter-than air filled light gas helium days though gas takes care lifting flying machines weight flown little heavy side aerostatically will come down stop moving forward positive angle attack ship moving forward under power provides dynamic lift climb cruise body L 0 04 cit1 0Ject SUCCeSStII tor flearly ship aOO airfoiled Q ho wing Descending combines W airship Worksy Envelope Balloon helium readily available toy party stores small canisters local weldingsupply store florist shop fill balloons 30-inch inflated size latex Blimp Balloon depicted may easy find live However supermarket Porterville California carries can get em ought able get em anywhere Actually long balloon bundle long balloons could work students made tissue-covered Zeppelin using 1/16 balsa sticks stuffed envelope made dry cleaning bag flew make custom envelopes place two layers plastic several layers newspaper Place layer newspaper top plastic trick making the aerostatic heaviness down elevators operate ship moving overcome lifting body As free-flying blimp cant put down elevator flight rely tiny bit extra weight added form modeling-clay ballast bring model down slowly thrustline dirigibles power module low center mass buoyancy high thrust pushing forward tends push nose up little envelope hull rotated around center buoyancy Drag envelope helps well angle climb can controlled within limits up down elevator see drawing increases decreases dynamic lift produced angle attack relative flight path Ip 48 Model Aviation % tJirigff Projecti envelope draw desired outline top sheet newspaper small soldering pencil using slow steady sweep around outline will leave tan scorched trail newspaper Dont forget leave little umbilical filling purposes tan trail newspaper indicates just right amount heat has applied fuse two layers plastic peel everything apart trim plastic bit youll have light fairly leakproof envelope Test leaks using air before inflate envelope 50 cents worth helium Several small round balloons stuffed paper tube cone front end would probably work power gondola light enough 30-inch silver Mylar Zeppelin balloons some party stores have vertical fins already built hold helium much longer latex balloons Heliums molecules farther apart airs will leak out few hoursright through rubber Mylar expensive latex looks funny paper horizontal fins contrasting integral shiny vertical ones Propdkr Aircrew Either tractor pusher propeller will work will made plastic balsa Balsa props generally better theyre lighter have blade area dont have free-wheeling notch plastic props have used combine dirigible project laminated-prop carving lesson Superior Props 9412 Tucson Ave Pensacola FL 32526 has ready-made balsa props sizes work Blades cut Styrofoam cup attached small wooden dowel 450 angle will work well too want make laminated high-pitch long-mn prop just skewer stuck balsa strips pin fan out look right glue lamination turn Using ready-made plastic propeller reference can helpful pusher prop fan balsa strips opposite direction wont have remember crank winder backward fly glue dry use 80-grit garnetpaper sanding stick rough blades shape Finish-sand 220-grit garnet paper June 1996 49 U Bill Warner Large latex blimp-type balloons should easy locate Always test balloon air before filling helium 64 CJTSLOTTOPITffTh.--I6Z23 cORNERSIiiL\1IS MLSASTRPS~ /lBSBB// MOTOR STICKLAMNATE WTI4 / BENT PIN HOOKSEE DETAL// WITHWHTEBIUE / ThREAD-WRAP MOTOR STICK ROUGH UP TUBESLAA020 IAISIC SURFACE GLUEBEAUS E SHAFT TUBE ON BINSJjjjIIIjjj WITH THREAD AND GLUE AGAIN ADD MAJIKINGS WmA FELT MARKERS F DESIRED SAND TO AIRFOIL SHAPE THINNER AT TIPS Photos author Illustrations Jim Kaman Graphic Design Heather Erdahi have flown blImpS classrooms living rooms theaters gyms offices cafeterias museum halls almost type of0 ronment 9 Bill Warner Power Module Make sure balsa use just heavy enough break easily handling Err toward heavier wood kids involved project Saving weight lighter-than air ship however allows modeling-clay ballast can take off keep ship aerostatic balance helium leaks out longer will able keep flying Tail Fins Cut fins schooltype construction paper similar material tail fins add stability model horizontal fins preventing porpoising vertical fins keep airship course rear edges horizontal fins can bent up down elevators rudders vertical fins can bent right left turn craft Inflation Procedure Before inflate balloon have parts ready including roll frosted mending tape two fourinch lengths black vinyl electricians tape Stretch balloon grasping both ends pulling hard 10-20 seconds will prepare filling dont stretch balloon before fill it will look like python swallowed basketball have time inflate balloon air test itI hate losing 1 t/2 cubic feet helium defective balloon breaks Fill balloon approximately 80-90% its maximum capacity Dont let anyone stand too closewhen balloon explodes rubber bits go long way Eye protection recommended though have never experienced injuries always one-in-a-million chance Tie off neck having someone stretch out wrap tie off filler neck thread string Assembly important have helper can give undivided attention holding balloon tape fins power gondola add sufficient ballast keep ship rising About 20% class projects always wound up ceiling despite warnings holder let go until ship properly weighted modeling clay long-enough June1996 51 411 DD14I K 10 UNINFLATED RUBBER BALLOON CONSTRUCTION PAPER P545 ATTACH WITH MAGIC CLAY TO LOWER NOSE ING TAPE I NEEDED 12 NFLATED 30 CLAY OS LOWER TAIL IIFBEEDED MAIN BALLASTWITH MAIN BALLAST TRY PER NEUTRAL BOUYANCY SHIP B LOOP UP mmNEITHER RISES NUN SINKS RUBBER THE BASIC DIRIGIBLE PROJECT blimpS Low-Tech A grocery-store balloon helium paper fins balsa prop rubber motor what could simpler thread filler neck model does slip away can pull down thread providing doesnt explode rough ceiling fins filler-neck end balloon put first parallel airflow Bend out feet bottom fin tape envelope using frosted mending tape save weight Next add power module using black vinyl electricians tape heavy use sparingly once stuck down try peel off . BANG may get away carefully peeling off mending tape fins black vinyl tape Note power module installed slightly ahead center point balloon due need balance weight fins rear Motor nice thing need propel craft forward high speed keep air heavier-than-aM craft can use long weak motor long slow cruises Try long loop 1mm rubber string common #16 rubber bands 12- 24-inch loop about right large-area balsa prop Larger 2mm rubber usually too powerful use tie loop end along single strand Rubber lube can used its necessary no need wind limit Weighing Off Model rubber motor attached weigh off ship aerostatically adding removing ballast until ship hovers approximately eye level Once ship hovers some ballast thats akeady board can moved forward aft level airship horizontally add clay Move power module much can ship too far out trim may have roll little snake clay tape nose tail end Warming clay hands will help stick easily careful break motor stick youre trying attach clay Finally add just enough extra ballast make ship descend very slowly ready fly Flying Dirigible prop shaft oiled rubber lubed little castor 52 Model Aviation ERS LEFT FOR TURN BEND ELEVATORS UP TO INcREASE cUMB ANGLE ADD CLAY TO ANY END THAI PLnATh - DOADDcLAYTO ST O4R ThE OIliER TO KEEP WE WI DOWN AERODYNAMIC LIFT ON AIRO lIP WEIG SLIITLyHEAvD OUT CHASE BALLOON FOR CEILING RETRIEVAL L mu 1 mm rd w tire] i m [1eI mimi] rIiiin MASlE 11 Al RSC REW Master Airscrew propellers develop greater thrust lower rpms Thin airfoil sections efficient tips combine greater thrust noise suppression true tip path engines optimum power band Available six different series broad range diameters pitches Series include distinctive scimitar-shaped S Series semi-scale Classic Series G/F K Series sport flying Nylon props made glass-filled nylon strength durability Wood Series made lightweight kiln-dried beechwood 9 1 6 diameters Heavier maple used 18 24 range Series black glass-filled nylon8x4 8x6$1 49 55x4 55x45$1299x4 9x5 9x6 9x8 95x6$169 6x3 6x35 6x4$12910x6 10x7 10x8$199 7x47x6$13911x6 11x7 11x75 11x9$219 K Series black glass-filled nylon1 14x6 14x8$5 59 12x6 12x8$289 15x8 15x10$659 13x6 13x8$399] 16x6 16x8$759 Classic Series black glass-filled nylon18x6 18x8 18x10$1325 16x6 16x8 16x10$79520x620x820x10$1525 Wood eries beechwood maple14x6 14x8 14x10$555 9x4 9x5 9x6 9x8$21016x6 16x8 16x10$950 10x5 10x6 10x7 10x8. $240 18x6 18x8 18x10 $1500 11x6 11x7 11x8 11x10$27020x620x820x10$1700 12x6 12x8 12x9$34522x822x1022x12$1925 13x6 13x8 13x10$42024x824x1024x12$2100 Scimitar Series charcoal gray glass-fillednylonI 1x6 1x7 1x8$229 7x4 7x5$14912x6 12x8$299 8x48x58x6$15913x6 13x8 13x10$429 9x59x69x7$17914x8 14x10$599 lOxS 10x6 10x7 10x8$209 Wood Series Propellers Electric wood props designed specifically electric flight Wide thin undercambered blades give greater thrust Available following sizes 10x6 10x8$41512x8 12x10$445 11x7 11x9$42513x8 13x10$465 See local Hobby Dealer Master Airscrew Propellers & Accessories WINDSOR PROPELLER COMPANY 3219 Monier Circle ho Cordova CA 95742 631-8385 oil glycerin wind er up mechanical winder invaluable Launching ship simple Aim want go release No throw needed flight path can controlled bending vertical fins act rudders Bending rear parts both top bottom fins left seen rear makes rudders left turn rate climb can controlled bending both horizontal fins up rear climb down less slower ship flies less effective control surfaces will Another way alter climb shift little ballast forward less climb aft too-fast climb can also tamed weaker rubber motor will cut flying speed lessen dynamic lift During high-ceiling flying sessions use chase balloon thread string too heavy sticky-side-out loops frosted mending tape top tape loops will stick underside lost airship can gently steadily pulled down Having Fun After have mastered climbing turning blimp experiment Try get fly straight see long will fly hitting walls ceiling try fly under table touching Make little parachute hang toothpick wound very rear rubber motor motor turns exhausted toothpick parachute will released Make sure weigh off airship before add toothpick will go ceiling parachute released Dream up own stunts have flown blimps classrooms living rooms theaters gyms offices cafeterias museum hallsalmost type indoor environment Just remember take chase balloon ceiling high Some kids tied long thread tails models help get down ceiling Remember Dont fly outdoors until ready say goodbye projectthere sticker bushes always-moving currents air think its dead calm am deeply indebted Bill Watson ideas presented worked Bill Summer Science Workshop program California Museum Science Industry Los Angeles Postscript Once basics aerostatic/aerodynamic nature dirigible airship have learned probably wouldnt require much imagination adapt tiny Kenway electric motor system dirigible new superlight Czech RC systems could also provide directional control 454 Model Aviation 4U