A unique aerial spectacle captivated onlookers in central Alberta recently, prompting questions about the appearance of a 20-meter airship. While the sight of a Goodyear Blimp is common at sporting events, witnessing a solar-powered airship of similar size in rural Alberta is a rare occurrence.
The airship, resembling the dimensions of a school bus, was engaged in testing a novel method for aerial survey data collection near Rocky Mountain House, located approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Edmonton. A collaborative team from Cloudline, a South African aerospace company that produced the airship, and its Canadian operational affiliate, 3 Points in Space Media, conducted flight trials with the airship from Rocky Mountain House Airport.
Describing the airship as akin to a helium party balloon, Sean Adams, the CEO of 3 Points in Space Media, explained that while airship technology has a long history, the current technology differs from traditional blimps. The integration of control systems with the airship renders it an autonomous aerial vehicle.
Preparations for flight involve the inflation of the airship’s envelope with helium and diagnostic checks while it is tethered. Once cleared for flight, operators release the aircraft for calibration runs before embarking on long-distance survey missions.
The airship, classified as a remotely piloted aircraft system with automated flight controls, is particularly suited for data collection in remote areas, such as monitoring pipelines, power lines, and infrastructure. Compared to conventional aircraft or smaller drones typically used by energy companies for similar tasks, the airship offers a unique advantage with its 40-kilogram payload capacity.
Despite the capabilities of crewed aircraft in extreme weather conditions, efforts are underway to enhance the airship’s resilience for such environments. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from Joe Zhou, vice-president of pipeline integrity at TC Energy, who emphasized the efficiency and low noise levels of the airship compared to conventional aircraft.
Operating the airship symbolizes a modern rejuvenation of historical aviation for Michael Adams, vice-president of research and development at 3 Points in Space Media. He underlined the significance of blending old aviation traditions with cutting-edge technology, exemplified by attaching a fabric swatch from the historic airship Graf Zeppelin to the airship’s payload.
The presence of the airship in the Rocky Mountain House area sparked local interest and engagement. Mayor Shane Boniface expressed amazement at the sight, highlighting the community’s enthusiastic response on social media. While Cloudline operates airships globally, autonomous airships remain a novelty in Canadian airspace.
Future plans for the flight team include conducting cold-weather tests in northern Ontario to ensure the airship’s readiness for sub-zero operations and Arctic conditions.