Hackaday · Creativity & design

R/C Airship Designed to Be on Fire

A 27-foot thermal airship, a type of dirigible hot air balloon, has been designed and built using radio control technology.

The airship derives lift from the density difference between hot air and the atmosphere. It features control surfaces and an engine for directional control, unlike a traditional hot air balloon.

Most of the technology is adapted from R/C aircraft, with the exception of a propane burner for heat generation, supplied by small barbecue-style tanks. An electric ducted fan maintains the balloon's shape, and a large brushless DC motor powers an 18-inch propeller for thrust.

A winch servo from an R/C sailboat is used for steering, controlling a meter-scale fabric rudder that functions more like a sail than typical R/C aircraft control surfaces.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.