The seduction of the airship Since the building by count Zeppelin of the first major airship people were impressed by these huge machines. Floating quietly in the air and having the ability to walk and around and enjoy the view sounds attractive. But such major airships aren't build anymore. Present airships are rather small and can carry no more than 12 passengers. Since the nineties a revival of the airship is taking place. Several studies have been done in which the possibilities of the airship as an environmental friendly way of transportation are investigated. In this paper existing and planned airships are looked into. Examined is what they can contribute to sustainable air transport? The conclusion is rather simple: none. There will be a market within the Netherlands for at most one or two airships. So the economical and environmental contribution is too small to making any difference at all. Only an enormous technological improvement could make airships feasible as a alternative for aeroplanes, helicopters or car and trains. (Author/publisher)
Abstract