Metalized nylon, our favorite, is used on blimps between 4 -10 feet in length. Mylar is used on blimps smaller than 7 feet and vinyl on blimps over 10 feet in length. West Coast Blimps sells a variety of pre-assembled blimp bags. They range in size from 3' to over 30'. A minimum of 3 channels is necessary.
Most blimps use a rudder, an elevator, and a throttle channel.
Most blimps can use standard RC equipment, however, small blimps under 8' require micro servos and micro receivers. Helium lifts approximately 1 ounce per cubic foot of helium. The amount of extra lift a blimp has for cargo varies with its size and the altitude at which they are used. It is unique to each specific blimp, the altitude it is flown, and the type of basic equipment it carries. It depends upon the material used.