Fringian Large Dirigible
| Large Dirigible | |
|---|---|
| Tech Level | TL–5 |
| Mass | 7500 Tons |
| Cost | Cr5,125,000 |
| Mode | Flight (Dirigible) |
| Type | Commercial Vehicle |
| Speed | 130 kph |
| Cargo | 940m³ |
| Crew | 36 |
| Passengers | 20 |
| Armament | none |
The Large Dirigible is a type of Aerostat Vehicle.
Description / Specifications[edit]
The Large Dirigible is a huge airship designed for commercial operations.
Hull[edit]
The hull of the vehicle consists of two sections: the buoyant gas-filled envelope and a gondola superstructure located at the lower front of the vehicle.
Envelope[edit]
A rigid streamlined cylinder constructed from a framework of steel, wood and wire, and covered in multiple layers of extremely tough treated fabric. Large rudders are located at the rear. The interior of the envelope is divided into a number of individual gas bags accessible by ladders and gantries.
- Length: 237m, Diameter: 31m.
- Overall Volume: 105,000m³ (7,500 dTons).
- Unloaded Weight: 203,000 kg.
The overall volume of the envelope measures the vehicles maximum dimensions. The enclosed volume of the envelope is slightly lower.
Gondola[edit]
A streamlined box, located on and within the lower surface of the envelope, constructed from steel and wood.
- Length: 48m, Width: 30m, height 5.2m.
- Overall Volume: 3,500m³ (250 dTons).
- Unloaded Weight: 37,000 kg.
The overall volume of the gondola measures its maximum dimensions: the majority of the volume forms part of the envelope.
Generally the vehicle remains buoyant during landing operations and tethers to a specially constructed mast. The 'undercarriage' consists of landing legs on the gondola and hardened areas of the envelope's outer skin, designed so that it may safely rest on a relatively flat surface if a touchdown is necessary.
Power / Transmission[edit]
Five large internal combustion power plants using hydrocarbon fuel and mounted in external nacelles: each drives a set of large propellers. The fuel supply is contained within large protected tanks that also help to ballast the vehicle. Four of the power plants are mounted on the sides of the envelope and the fifth is mounted towards the lower rear. The nacelles can be accessed by open gantries and ladders.
- The vehicle is noisy.
Performance[edit]
- Takeoff Run: 0m.
- Cruise Speed: 90 kph, Top Speed: 130 kph, Stall Speed: 0 kph.
- Duration: 150 hours at Cruise Speed, 110 hours at Top Speed.
- Maximum Altitude: 6,500m (depending on the local atmosphere type).
The gas bags contained within the envelope are filled with hydrogen, providing buoyancy. Extreme precautions to prevent disaster are rigorously observed.
- Maximum Lift Capacity: up 350,000 kg (including its own weight and the weight of anything that is carried aboard the vehicle).
Crew / Passengers[edit]
The vehicle's gondola consists of an enclosed compartment divided into two decks and fitted with transparent windows. It is partially located within the forward lower part of the envelope and partially within a boxy lower superstructure. A large bridge located within the front of the gondola contains six crew positions. The vehicle has basic environmental protection (the hull is weatherproof but is not fully sealed) and is fitted with basic environmental systems, heating and interior lights. The bridge contains complex mechanical controls. Gauges and indicators provide data such as velocity, altitude, internal gas pressure, and component status.
- The crew consists of the captain, 6x command crew, 11x engineering crew, 14x service crew, and 4x stewards.
There are 30x crew bunks and 10x crew cabins: spare accomodations are available for flight crew. 20x small (but very well appointed) staterooms are available to paying passengers. A significant percentage of the gondola is given over to an observation room, lounges, a dining room, and a large galley and storerooms.
The vehicle has a large cargo hold accessed by sliding side doors. Cargo may also be suspended below the vehicle on slings.
- Cargo Storage: 940m³ (67 dTons) – contained within the gondola.
- Maximum load: approximately 100,000 kg (including passengers) before performance is impaired.
Subcraft[edit]
The Large Dirigible carries two Basic Propeller Aircraft within a central-lower hanger. These aircraft are fitted with a large ring on their upper surface. This links into a hook and winch system built into the hanger ceiling that allows them to be captured, raised, lowered and released while the airship is in flight.
- Hanger Volume: 450m³ (32 dTons) – considered to be a part of the gondola.
Equipment[edit]
Running lights. Multiple onboard fire suppression systems. A basic (typically 300 km range) radio communications system located within a separate wireless room, and a number of hand-aimed spotlights mounted on the gondola exterior.
History / Background[edit]
A very large lighter-than-air vehicle (a dirigible) available in a variety of body styles and configurations. The density of the local atmosphere dramatically affects vehicle performance.
See also: Flying Craft of the Distant Fringe
References & Contributors / Sources[edit]
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- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science