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From: microsoft!t-scotta@uunet.uu.net
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Airships?
Message-ID: <1991May31.061011.12752@amd.com>
Date: 29 May 91 22:38:04 GMT
Sender: military@amd.com
Organization: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
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Approved: military@amd.com


From: microsoft!t-scotta@uunet.uu.net


I am sure this has been suggested before, but I must have missed it.
So here goes.

During the Gulf War, at least at the begining there was a big problem
with the movement of large heavy items to the gulf.  Basically, there
was not enough airborne heavy lift capibility.

The closing quote to the Monday 50 years ago today started me thinking
about the possibilities using airships as an alternative to heavy 
lift cargo planes.  A large airship cruising at 35-40 kts, about
double the speed of a cargo ship, would be able to carry a reasonable
load.

The problems are going to be,

1. Load: I suspect that the airship should be able to carry 2 M-1 tanks
   or the equilivent weight to be effective.

2. Range:  How far can it go on internal fuel.  This could be solved 
   by refueling at sea or having enough range to make it between land
   bases.

3. Defence:  Cargo planes have no defensive capibility, however they
   fly quite a bit faster.  Would defensive systems(AIM-9L) be useful.

Is this a reasonable idea or am I out in left field?  Would it be 
cost effective?

Comments please.

Scott Avery
My opinions are all my own.