Skunk Works' new craft over Plant 42

ALLISON GATLIN ^ | Thursday, February 2, 2006. | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

PALMDALE - A mysterious flying craft seen hovering over Air Force Plant 42 Tuesday morning was the latest creation from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.'s famed Skunk Works on its maiden flight. The blimp-like aircraft, known simply as P791, is a proof-of-principle vehicle to help engineers learn more about technology and aerodynamics for such airships.

"Lockheed Martin is testing a small-scale airship as part of an internal research and development effort," Lockheed spokeswoman Dianne Knippel said.

The large white airship is shaped somewhat differently from a traditional blimp, with twin torpedo-like sections joined in the center and a cockpit beneath. Four airlifters move the vehicle on the ground and in the air.

The company, known for its advanced technology developments conducted in secrecy, is not releasing any additional information about the project at this time.

The airship likely will be seen flying for the next six weeks, generally during the morning hours, Knippel said.

[dennisw]

You don't test the real stuff in Palmdale. You test it in remotest Nevada and other dry uninhabited places. I don't know what to make of this article

[dennisw]

Area 87

[BenLurkin]

We see quite a surprising variety of aircraft . . . but I know what you mean.

As for what to make of this article the answer is simple. There is evidently nothing secret about Lockheed's blimp (at this stage of development), so there is no reason not to test it around town. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[Straight Vermonter]

I'm not sure if someone else has mentioned this on this thread or not but several years ago I read an article about a German company that was exploring new uses for LTA craft. As I remember the idea was to use it for extremely heavy long distance lifting. The plan was to be able to build bridge sections (or other objects) in one area then lift and place the sections where they were needed.

[BenLurkin]

Yes. I think the company went bust.

I'm not sure why Lockheed is trying it. Maybe they've figured out how to lick some fundamentals problems that would otherwise limit performance.

[Phsstpok]

Everyone who reads this thread will be visited by the Men in Black. And killed.

Ahem... we ARE the Men In Black!

You are obviously an interloper and will be dealt with accoringly.

But not killed. Oh no. We have better uses for specimens like you. Overdone Fox TV shows, for example. We'll think of something appropriate and colorful.

[festus]

Good heavens. Ted Kennedy is drifting over the water.......

[Straight Vermonter]

I see someone is still involved in this.

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---

For more information on Aerostats, Airships, and Blimps, please contact Gil Baird

http://www.ilcdover.com/products/aerospace_defense/heavylift.htm

[usmcobra]

[Mercat]

Mr. Mercat has asked me to post this. He's worried that if he morphs from a lurker to an actual member, the Men in Black will come to the door. So go to the February edition of Pop Sci (the only magazine allowed in our bathroom) and check out the article on the "Flying Luxury Hotel."

Also go to:

http://www.aerosml.com/aeroscraft.asp

[pbear8]

Is that one of those new infrared computer mouses?

[BenLurkin]

Tell that gentlman that he is very wise.

I lurked on FR for three, maybe four years -- but became overly addicted to it after finally registering in 2002.

[zot]

Hmm ... the DARPA contract isn't a lighter-than-air-vehicle. That's probably why the LTA companies were excluded. The most interesting words in the whole article are "electrostatic atmospheric ion propulsion".

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

Just Damn! You can't even SEE that thing hovering over the hanger!!!

I know. Them Skunk Works engineers are really good!

[BenLurkin]

My vote is on the bunny rabbit.

[Chode]

too funny, some real collectors items now...

[aubreys_mom]

Its still there... www.lercstore.com

The store is located in the Lockheed Credit Union building on Lockheed Way adjacent to the plant entrance.

They still have great stuff, videos, books, clothing with the LM logo, etc...

[aubreys_mom]

Its still there... www.lercstore.com

The store is located in the Lockheed Credit Union building on Lockheed Way adjacent to the plant entrance.

They still have great stuff, videos, books, clothing with the LM logo, etc...

[mad_as_he$$]

One of the guys that works for me did 10 years at the SW. Says it was the best place he has ever worked - including for me! The can do spirit and the innovation allowed was impressive. Of course it helps when you have basically unlimited budgets. Same guy went on to help build the B-2.

[Rebelbase]

The plug was pulled on the article:

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