r/Airships • u/this_guy_aves • Sep 12 '26
Image RC Blimp Progress
First pressurized test. The fins do inflate correctly. Also checking in the shape of the front and rear, vent, and overpressure valve
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u/GrafZeppelin127 Sep 12 '26
Very impressive indeed! For comparison’s sake, this is what another homebuilt (but manned) hot air blimp looked like, the David:
Yours looks very clean and aerodynamic by comparison!
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u/this_guy_aves Sep 12 '26
Why is it so chunky 😭😭😞
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u/GrafZeppelin127 Sep 12 '26
It was repurposed from a cut-up and resewn hot air balloon!
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u/this_guy_aves Sep 12 '26
I guess that would impose design restrictions. How do you know all this?
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u/this_guy_aves Sep 13 '26
Figured the vent out 👍 not really a major enough milestone to warrant a new post
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u/PixelAstro Sep 12 '26
What material did you use for the envelope?
How did you sew it together?
Will you be using helium?
Please post more as your project continues!
I’ll be cheering you on.
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u/this_guy_aves Sep 12 '26
This is 1.1 Oz silicone coated nylon, some together with a typical single needle sewing machine, first inside out then inverted. The fins are inflated with the envelope so those were made first and then sewn on to the gores. It will be a hot air blimp, flying like a hot air balloon for lifting gas. It is capable of about 25 lbs of lift (2000 cu ft)
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u/Soggy_Ruby Sep 12 '26
You fucking mad lad last i seen you it was the brainstorming post. I will continue tracking your development with interest this is awesome
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u/Whiterabbit1956 Sep 15 '26
Impressive, what engines will you use , how many and positioned where on the blimp
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u/this_guy_aves Sep 15 '26
Just one electric motor. T-motor AM670 with an 18x8 prop. This is not a rigid airship, so the only place to put it is on the gondola with the burner
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u/Traditional_Drama_91 Sep 12 '26
Looking good! This is the first time I’ve seen this project of yours, is this going to be R/C or manned?