Russell McMahon wrote:
> So Boeing fills the ship with helium while the
> rear is tethered with a short fixed line and the front with a much
> longer line that pays out as more gas is pumped into the front end.
> The nose rises in the air, until the craft is standing nearly
> vertical. Both lines are then cast off at the same time and the
> airship shoots up like a rocket, at around 5 metres a second. As the
> ship rises, a valve at the rear vents air, and the helium at the top
> expands - due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude - to fill
> the entire ship. This brings the blimp horizontal, enabling it to
> hover.

Seems like a lot of trouble to get the passengers to stow their tray tables,
put away their laptops, and make sure their luggage is securely in the
overhead (hmm, well more to the rear at start) bins.  At least it's less
hassle if someone in first class spills their complementary drink since it
automatically ends on on someone in the main cabin.  No need for barf bags
in first class either I guess.  Getting grandma to climb 30 meters up to her
seat might be a challenge though.  "Right this way ma'm.  Just another 137
rungs to go.  Here, we'll have someone help you with that oxygen bottle."

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist