# A Survey of the Effects of Vehicle Configuration on Urban Air Mobility +
## 2 Aerial Urban Vehicle Configurations and Concepts
### Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL)
#### 2.2.4 Lighter-than-Air  
Lighter-than-air aircraft are stable VTOL systems with usually high endurance which has potential applications in UAM. Lighter-than-air aircraft, including balloons and airships, have a rich history and continue to play an important role in modern aviation. Balloons, which use heated air or gas to lift the aircraft, were first demonstrated by the [PERSON] brothers in 1783. Airships, which use bags or envelopes filled with gas, were first developed in the late 19 th century. Balloons were initially used for scientific exploration, with early balloon flights carrying scientists and their instruments to high altitudes to study the atmosphere. Airships were initially used for passenger transportation, with the first commercial airship service operating in Germany in 1910. Airships were also used for \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**Advantages** & **Disadvantages** \\ \hline
360-degree thrust control & Low scalability and capacity \\ Maneuverability & Vulnerability to faults \\ Smaller profile & Very low gliding ratio in the case of the \\  & propulsion system failure \\ Smooth transient phase & \\  & Suitable for mid-range flights \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 7: Advantages and disadvantages of cyclocopter configuration. military purposes, with both sides using airships for reconnaissance and bombing during World War I. In the 1920s and 1930s, airships such as the Graf Zeppelin and the Hindenburg were used for transatlantic passenger transportation, but the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 led to a decline in airship use for commercial purposes. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in lighter-than-air aircraft, driven by advances in materials, propulsion, and control systems. Airships are being developed for a variety of applications, including cargo transportation, surveillance, and tourism [15; 64; 65]. In Canada, the company Solar Ship is developing solar-powered airships for humanitarian aid and cargo delivery in remote areas. In the United States, the company Worldwide Aeros is developing a hybrid airship that can carry up to 66 tons of cargo over long distances. While lighter-than-air aircraft may never replace traditional aircraft for passenger transportation, they offer a unique set of advantages for certain applications. They can operate at low speeds and altitudes, allowing for detailed observation and precise stability. They can also carry large payloads over long distances, making them well suited for cargo transportation and other applications. These aircraft have the potential to play a role in UAM by providing a unique set of advantages for certain applications. Aerial Advertising is one of these areas [15]. Displaying large banners or signage in the sky above urban areas can be a highly effective way to reach a large audience and promote products or events which is well suited to the stability of lighter-than-air configurations. Lighter-than-air aircraft can be used for aerial surveillance and monitoring of urban areas, monitoring traffic, environmental conditions, and public safety. Their ability to remain stationary in the air for long periods of time makes them well suited for these applications as well. Aerial photography, videography, and providing a unique perspective on urban landscapes and events is another application of this configuration. The most important application which is more focused nowadays is tourism. Lighter-than-air aircraft can be used to provide unique tourism experiences, such as sightseeing tours of urban areas or hot air balloon rides over cities due to the wide view they can provide for passengers. Balloons have different capacities, transportation and tourist balloons may have 1 to 32 passengers [66]. Many companies are currently working on developing airships for cargo transportation, surveillance, and tourism. The most famous examples are Lockheed Martin and its cargo airship LMH-1 with 21,319 kg cargo capacity and 19 passengers which is a near-VTOL aircraft.