The Patrol Airship
In May 1987, the USN selected a joint venture of Westinghouse Electric Company and Airship Industries Limited of England to build a series of patrol airships.
The design selected provided for a conventional configuration, with an internally fitted radar antenna, and a control compartment mounted beneath the gas bag. Helium was chosen as the lift medium. The diesel engines, with propellors mounted in circular guards or shrouds, are to be used to cruise with the turbojet for sprint operations. A second turbojet engine was proposed that would provide a maximum speed in excess of 90+ knots. In flight refueling would be from surface ships.
Initial operational capability was planned for 1992. But the program budget was cut in later spending.
Length: 423ft (129.0m) Diameter: 136 ½ft (41.6m) Height: 150ft (45.7m) Volume: 2.35 million ft3 Propulsion: 2 CRM BR-1 diesels; 2,000hp each (propellers) 1 General Electric CT7-9 turbojet, 1,800lbs Speed: 45 knots cruising (no-wind conditions); 83 knots maximum Endurance: 72 hours (without in-flight refueling)l 30 days (with in-flight refueling) Ceiling: approx. 10,000ft operating; approx. 15-18,000ft maximum Crew: 12-15 Armament: None Radar: APS-138 air/surface surveillance
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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