Recent opportunities to conduct research from large blimps have given these scientists justification for using airships in research projects. Although scientists feel the airship, with its stable, slow, and low altitude flight, is an ideal platform for aerial observation, the operating costs of most commercial airships are too expensive for current research funding levels . Interface Airships believes that smaller airships can fulfill the scientists needs at superior cost effectiveness, and is currently operating an experimental two person airship for testing of airship design and coastal research concepts. I nterface Airships has developed a pilot program to use the prototype airship for coastal oceanographic research in Florida, with primary emphasis on manatee identification, behaviours and habitats. The company is soliciting financial support from government agencies and corporate sponsors to fund the airship re search costs.
Research groups are then able to request airship time for feasibility testing of their concepts.
Potential Airship Roles T he prototype is classified as experimental and its use is regulated by the FAA for non-commercial purposes by government agencies. Design and construction of a small airship certified for commercial operation by the Federal Aviation Administration will open the door to many other future enterprises. Interface Airships will provide such services to clients unable or unwilling to pay the high costs associated with the large airships. Such FAA certified airships could also play a valuable role as a primary pilot trainer for the growing U.S. commercial airship fleet, providing far less expensive flight experience than the larger airships.