Sunday, January 20, 2002 4:36 PM

SANTOS-DUMONT FLIES - AGAIN

 

First Flight Of World's Newest, Large Airship

 

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

On January 18, 2002, the world's newest large airship completed her "maiden flight".

To be named the SANTOS-DUMONT, after the Brazilian-French aviator who first flew an airship in controlled flight around the Eiffel Tower almost exactly 100 years ago, this new airship was built by Airship Management Services, Inc. (AMS) at its FAA Repair Station in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

The Santos-Dumont, a modified Skyship 600 type airship, is 200 feet (60 meters) long, with an envelope volume of 250,000 cubic feet (6,800 cubic meters).  She is capable of carrying up to 13 passengers (or two tons of equipment), at speeds up to 60 mph, and to an altitude of 10,000 feet.

This airship is part of AMS's development of larger airships - "SKYCRUISERS".

The "Santos-Dumont" is fitted with an envelope developed by TCOM L.P. and with outboard engines manufactured by Textron Lycoming (IO-540's), and swiveling, ducted propulsors which allow the aircraft to hover and hold station.

Upon completion of her flight trials, the Santos-Dumont is to be delivered to her new owners in France, AMS-Europe, during the spring of 2002.