FS2002/FS9 Unreal Aviation "Alien" ball-shaped Airship with a ribbed, back-spinning envelope to improve lift and reduce drag. The ball shape makes it very easy for a ground crew of just one to dock the ship with its mooring pad, a heavy truck and the machine is no more difficult to handle than a tethered balloon.
Controlled entirely by its vectored ducted fans, there are no aerodynamic control surfaces at all and a computer takes care of stability. In light airs, it is possible to position the aircraft with great accuracy making it perfect for holding station over a fixed point or flying tight patterns in a confined area.
Another advantage of the ball shape is strength. She is not as 'pressure limited' as conventional airships and can fly at greater altitudes than most. The ribs also add strength and help to trap a layer of air close to the surface of the envelope and serve the same purpose as dimples on a golf ball.
Two diesel-electric generators provide the energy to spin the ball and power the electric ducted fans.
The downside to the ball shape is the cruise performance is still not as good as a conventionally shaped machine despite the backspin. It would also be complicated and expensive to build....
However, for rescue, surveying and filming it is perfect.
Designed specifically for FS2002 but works in FS9 using the alternative AIR file provided.
