The Development of a Heavy Lift Airship (HLA)

There is an expanding need for an economical air vehicle that performs like a helicopter and that can lift vertically large and/or heavy payloads in the range of 25 to 150 tons. In response to this need, Goodyear Aerospace Corporation is presently developing a new vehicle called the Heavy Lift Airship (HLA). The HLA is a hybrid vehicle utilizing both rotorcraft and lighter-than-air technologies and enabling existing state-of-the-art hardware to be married. While accommodating payloads of up to 150 tons, the HLA at the same time can improve the economics of helicopters. The HLA concept is defined, the configuration described, results of analyses given, and performance estimated for a 75-ton point design. Results of market analyses together with operating economics and economic case studies are also discussed.