A unique aerial display in central Alberta caught the attention of onlookers last week, sparking curiosity about a 20-meter blimp sighting. While the sight of a Goodyear Blimp is familiar at sporting events, a solar-powered airship, resembling the size of a school bus, was spotted conducting aerial survey tests near Rocky Mountain House, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Edmonton.
The experimental airship, manufactured by South African aerospace company Cloudline and operated by its Canadian partner, 3 Points in Space Media, underwent flight trials at the Rocky Mountain House Airport. Describing the airship as similar to a helium party balloon, Sean Adams, CEO of 3 Points in Space Media, highlighted its autonomous capabilities, achieved through innovative control systems.
Pre-flight operations involve helium filling and diagnostic checks while the airship is anchored. Once cleared, the airship, classified as a remotely piloted aircraft system, embarks on calibration and survey flights covering long distances for data collection purposes. The airship’s payload capacity of 40 kilograms allows for the transportation of heavier camera and LiDAR sensors compared to standard drones, enhancing its survey capabilities.
While acknowledging the limitations of airships in extreme weather conditions, particularly in cold climates, efforts are underway to enhance the technology’s resilience for broader applications. TC Energy’s Vice President of Pipeline Integrity, Joe Zhou, highlighted the potential of the airship to gather diverse data types efficiently and quietly compared to conventional aircraft.
The operation of the airship represents a modern reinvention of historical aviation, aiming to blend past achievements with cutting-edge technology. 3 Points in Space Media’s Vice President of Research and Development, Michael Adams, emphasized the opportunity to revive airship technology that faced setbacks in the 1930s, showcasing a piece of fabric from the historic Graf Zeppelin as a nod to aviation heritage.
The presence of the airship in the Rocky Mountain House area generated significant interest among locals, with Mayor Shane Boniface expressing amazement at the rare sight. The airship’s successful flight tests in Alberta mark a milestone, with plans for cold-weather trials in northern Ontario to expand its operational capabilities in challenging environments.