Hey, soon watch out for eco-friendly policing blimp in sky! Cause the escalating gasoline prices are not even sparing the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. The Navy is leasing a helium-filled Skyship 600, about the size of a Boeing 747, for the six-week test mission between Florida’s southern coast and Cuba. This manned ship is held aloft by nonflammable helium and propelled by two Porsche 930 engines that consume 10 to 12 gallons of regular gasoline per hour. It is estimated that a regular jet uses more fuel to travel from the gate to the taxiway than this green air vehicle that can suffice that much for a whole week. Owned by Airship Management Services and at the cost a little less than $1 million (for the test) the company intends to supply two pilots to float the ship at an altitude of 1,500 to 3,000 feet while a crewman operates the radar and other scanning equipment. However the airship has a bathroom and can stay aloft up to 52 hours without refueling but the surveillance flights off Florida will be limited to about eight hours to guard against crew fatigue. While Navy and Coast Guard technicians on the ground in Key West, Florida, will monitor the data and direct other vessels where they’re needed to chase drug or people smugglers or perform rescues. It does have an edge over the copter as it can travel at about 57 mph (91 kph) and fly in the same weather conditions as other aircraft without disturbing vibrations. Via: Reuters
