Q: How much weight can Pathfinder 1 carry?

The term “payload” refers to the amount of people or goods an airship can carry. It is calculated by subtracting the weight of the airship from its gross lift, and varies depending on factors like duration of the trip and altitude of the flight. We expect Pathfinder 1’s payload to be between 2,000 kg and 5,000 kg, depending on the final weight of the airship and the individual mission.

Question 1

What is LTA Research?

Accepted Answer

LTA is an aerospace research and development company focused on building the next generation of airships that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and more capable than ever before. We aim to complement humanitarian aid delivery in areas struck by natural disasters and reduce transportation carbon emissions.

Question 2

Where is LTA Research located?

Accepted Answer

LTA has locations in Akron, Ohio; Mountain View, California; Pastoria, California; and Gardnerville, Nevada.

Question 3

What is Pathfinder 1?

Accepted Answer

Pathfinder 1 is LTA’s proof of concept airship that demonstrates the novel design, engineering, and manufacturing that will bring a new generation of airships to flight. Pathfinder 1 is 400 feet long and 66 feet wide and is the first step toward realizing our vision for complementing humanitarian aid and reducing aviation emissions.

Question 4

Has the FAA cleared Pathfinder 1 to fly?

Accepted Answer

The FAA granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to Pathfinder 1 in September 2023. At present, our certified airship pilots, flight test engineers, and experienced ground crew are testing and training in preparation for extended outdoor flight.

Question 5

When will Pathfinder 1 begin untethered flight?

Accepted Answer

Flight testing is an extensive process, aligning with FAA standards, and takes time for an experimental aircraft. LTA is likely to achieve untethered flight this year.

Question 6

What is the flight-testing process for Pathfinder 1?

Accepted Answer

Flight testing is an extensive and ongoing process, which includes assessing a variety of the systems that contribute to operations and flight. Over the course of this year, LTA is conducting flight testing regularly, both inside Hangar 2 and outside at Moffett Airfield.

Question 7

Where will Pathfinder 1 conduct its test flights?

Accepted Answer

LTA is conducting all flight testing for Pathfinder 1 at Moffett Field in Mountain View, CA.

Question 8

What are Pathfinder 1’s flying capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Pathfinder 1 is designed to have a range of approximately 2,500 miles and is currently permitted to fly at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet.

Question 9

How many passengers can Pathfinder 1 carry?

Accepted Answer

The Pathfinder 1 gondola is designed to carry 14 Flight Test team members.

Question 10

How much weight can Pathfinder 1 carry?

Accepted Answer

The term &#8220;payload&#8221; refers to the amount of people or goods an airship can carry. It is calculated by subtracting the weight of the airship from its gross lift, and varies depending on factors like duration of the trip and altitude of the flight. We expect Pathfinder 1&#8217;s payload to be between 2,000 kg and 5,000 kg, depending on the final weight of the airship and the individual mission.

Question 11

Is Pathfinder 1 an eVTOL?

Accepted Answer

No. Pathfinder 1 is a rigid airship that gets its lift from helium and has electric motors for propulsion and directional control.

Question 12

What makes LTA Research airships different from airships of the past?

Accepted Answer

LTA is building next-generation airships at a scale that has not been attempted for more than 80 years. To build and fly airships that are lighter, safer, and more capable, we have reimagined and redesigned every component, from the engineering and materials to assembly and pilot training.

Question 13

What is the difference between an airship and a blimp?

Accepted Answer

An airship is built around a hard outer hull which allows it to retain its shape even when it is not filled with helium. A blimp, on the other hand, is built around a semi-rigid structure similar to a balloon that does not retain its shape when filled with a lifting gas.

Question 14

How will airships improve humanitarian aid?

Accepted Answer

Our airships will have the ability to complement, and even speed up, humanitarian disaster response and relief efforts, so that many more lives can be saved. Airships do not require aviation infrastructure like airstrips and landing zones, allowing them to deliver food, equipment, supplies, and other life-saving aid to areas impacted by natural disasters.

Question 15

What efforts is LTA making to conserve helium?

Accepted Answer

At LTA Research, we treat helium like the precious resource that it is and keep our helium footprint small by containing and recycling it. We are always looking for new ways to increase our efficiency.

Question 16

How will airships reduce the carbon footprint of aviation?

Accepted Answer

Solar and electric-powered airships will produce no emissions and have the potential to substantially reduce the total global carbon footprint. LTA utilizes solar panels on Pathfinder 1 and is actively testing the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power our electric propulsion system.

Question 17

How will airships contribute to jobs and economic growth?

Accepted Answer

LTA has already generated new jobs in Ohio, California, and Nevada. Airships will continue to generate new jobs and economic growth in the regions where we are developing, manufacturing, building, and flying them.

FAQ

Learn about the history of the American Airship.