Fringian Advanced Dirigible

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Advanced Dirigible
Tech Level TL–7
Mass 2700 Tons
Cost Cr3,700,000
Mode Flight (Dirigible)
Type Commercial Vehicle
Speed 100 kph
Cargo 56m³
Crew 2
Passengers 8
Armament none

The Advanced Dirigible is a type of Aerostat Vehicle.

Description / Specifications[edit]

The Advanced 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.

Envelope[edit]

A semi-rigid streamlined flattened cylinder constructed from composite materials. The interior of the envelope is divided into a number of individual gas bags. Large rudders are located at the rear. The envelope is not accessible from the gondola.

  • Length: 94m, Width: 28m, Height: 15m.
  • Overall Volume: 38,000m³ (2,700 dTons).
  • Unloaded Weight: 13,800 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: 21m, Width: 4m, height 2.9m.
  • Overall Volume: 244m³ (17.4 dTons).
  • Unloaded Weight: 6,100 kg.

The overall volume of the gondola measures its maximum dimensions: the majority of the volume forms part of the envelope.

The undercarriage consists of the base of the gondola and hardened areas of the vehicles skin, designed so that it may safely rest on a relatively flat surface if a touchdown is necessary.

Power / Transmission[edit]

four powerful, efficient internal combustion power plants using hydrocarbon fuel and mounted in moveable external nacelles: each drives a set of ducted propellers. The power plants are mounted on the sides of the envelope.

  • The moveable engine nacelles allow the vehicle to be precisely positioned.
  • The vehicle is noisy.

Performance[edit]

  • Takeoff Run: 0m.
  • Cruise Speed: 80 kph, Top Speed: 100 kph, Stall Speed: 0 kph.
  • Duration: 140 hours at Cruise Speed, 120 hours at Top Speed.
  • Maximum Altitude: 6,200m (depending on the local atmosphere type).

The gas bags contained within the envelope are filled with helium, providing buoyancy. Extreme precautions to prevent disaster are rigorously observed.

  • Maximum Lift Capacity: up 35,000 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 fitted with transparent windows, partially located within the forward lower part of the envelope and partially within a boxy lower superstructure. An enclosed crew cabin located in the front part of the gondola has tandem seats. 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. There are 4x bunks, a small galley and fresher, a small workstation, and comfortable seating for up to 8 passengers. Both crew positions have advanced mechanical controls. A computer system manages the vehicle and consoles provide data such as velocity, altitude, and component status.

The vehicle has a cargo hold accessed by sliding side doors. Cargo may also be suspended below the vehicle on slings.

  • Cargo Storage: 56m³ (4 dTons) – contained within the gondola.
  • Maximum load: 12,000 kg (including passengers) before performance is impaired.

Equipment[edit]

Running lights. Multiple onboard fire suppression systems. A small (typically 300 km range) radio communications system and a civilian-grade radar with an effective range of around 100 km. A hand-aimed spotlight mounted on the gondola exterior.

History / Background[edit]

A 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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