Peculiar Performance of a New Lighter-Than-Air Platform for Monitoring
Abstract
This paper deals with the peculiar operative performance of a new concept remotelypiloted airship. The main characteristic that makes this vehicle unconventional is the lack of either fixed or moving aerodynamic surfaces: the complete control around the three axes is obtained through four thrust-vectoring propellers. This unique command system provides the Nautilus airship with the uncommon capability of hovering with any heading, even in adverse weather conditions. Endurance, payload and maximum altitude, reached during the mission, are the three main operative parameters, whose reciprocal influence has been assessed through analytical methods. Moreover, a detailed performance analysis has been carried out in order to analyze the climbing ability of the airship at different flight altitudes, starting from the balance between required and available power.