New Hot Air Airship

Yes!
Something new, once more!

The new Hot Air Airship from the GEFA Company made a few flights after its trials in Southern Germany, late last April.
It was noticed during the test flights, first that the center of gravity was too much forward (the pilot had to use almost only the forward burner) and second that it might be necessary to stiffen the vertical stabilizer a bit. Moreover, the airship had a tendency for some reverse roll during turns (it would roll a bit toward the outside of the turn, instead of rolling toward the inside of it).

This being said, it seems an excellent hot air airship, calm and easy to fly.
It can carry one pilot and three passengers.

OK, let's see some pictures now!!!


First, the two burners in action over the gondola.


Then, the forward fan for maintening the pressure inside the envelope.


Now, a view of the transverse "Thermal Curtain" that divides the top of the envelope in the middle, in order to prevent the pitch movements due to the displacement of the hot air in it when the airship changes attitude (moves the nose up or down)


Here it is at take-off


and in flight, of course


on landing


The dismantling


The instrument panel (The pilot sits on the right hand side)


The engine and the four bladed propeller