| Aerofreighter - Tradewind | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 31 2009, 10:18 AM (2 Views) | |
| Alfegos | Oct 31 2009, 10:18 AM Post #1 |
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TRADEWIND SERIES Introduction The first of the Tradewind series of craft was commissioned in 1971 to provide airships for short-range transport of military equipment and vehicles over river, short sea and rough terrain areas, especially in Milkavich province where roads through the rainforest were (and still are) poor or dangerous due to UXO. The first of the craft series, whilst not the most payload efficient, were immensely popular due to their relatively low cost and ability to navigate all terrain at a relatively high speed compared to conventional land transports, sea transports and amphibious craft. The craft went through a few modifications to finally reach the present day 800 model, utilising the latest in hybrid airship technology to increase payload and decrease fuel consumption, upping the total range. Superstructure The craft is assembled based around a pre-fabricated rigid skeleton of lightened aluminium and CFRP beams, coated in corrosion-retardent plastics. At structural joints to bear load, additional steel cables are used to re-enforce the skeleton and transfer the load evenly. The beams also act as the supports for the airship electronic and gas systems, surface conduits used to hold flexible 15mm PVC pipes from fuelling points to the individual cells, with individual cells being fed by smaller 8mm tributary pipes. The cells themselves are attached to the network using staples and adhesive, constructed from the Aerofilm composite. Each cell on the craft is made to dimensions 10m x 10m x 10m, numbering a total of 235 main cells. Cells also feature outlet valves controlled electronically, allowing for depressurisation to reduce buoyancy or to prevent damage to cells when reaching high altitudes. These are fed back into the gas pipe network, to minimise the overall loss of gas within the airship and prolonging times between re-gassing. The exterior of the airship is protected from the elements via the use of an Aerofibre envelope, at standard thickness. This extends across the entire airship, save for the spaces left for gondola integration on the underside of the craft. The underside central section of the airship is re-enforced for holding fuel and reserve gas cylinders in a small gas cell space, along with battery and water supplies for the main gondola. It is referred to as the 'Ancillary Hold' of the airship. Tradewind 300 and 800 models feature large-area wings extending from the airship gasbag, to produce additional lift and thus extend the payload limit and range. These are constructed of aluminium and and CFRP, and replace the horizontal aileron/stabilisers used in the tail of the craft. The control gondola of the airship is made from aluminium and CFRP as standard, with internal Thinsulate insulation used to prevent heat loss. The structure is based upon a lightweight joist system, linked to the gasbag via 3 metre bolts at numerous points into the structure, with additional welding used at contact points between metal beams. Windows are made from tripe-glazed polycarbonate panels in an aluminium matrix, tinted and polarised to provide protection from harsh sunlight at altitude. Internal divides are constructed from CFRP, designed to be held in with heavy clips to allow for movement of panels as is necessary by ground crews to change the floor space of internal areas. Cargo gondolas are featured later. Propulsion The small size of the craft means that most models are able to be powered on diesel with a more efficient weight:lift ratio than would be provided by an internal gas cell. Diesel is stored in two 500l main tanks inside the gasbag in the Ancillary Hold, with a reserve 100l tank for backup located above the control gondola. Tanks are insulated and fitted with heaters to stop fuel freezing in poor conditions, and are mounted with filling filters for use in dusty conditions. In the case of the 800 model, forty 1m^3 cylinders are used for holding the methane powering the engines under pressure, with a standard fill pressure of 400 bar. Cylinders are again insulated, with cooling provided to ensure maximum capacity in the cylinders. A two-stage pressure regulator system is used to reduce fuel pressure to local atmospheric pressure, before being injected into the engine. Fuelling is done using a high-pressure coupling, or can by done via replacement of the cylinders with those filled by an Alfegos Aeronautics vetted cylinder company. The craft is powered by four turboprops on the exterior of the craft, manufactured by Ia'xha. Engine units are self-contained 'pods' allowing for easy replacement, and in the latter three models utilise vector mounts to increase the payload capacity and mobility of the airships. Engine mounts on the side of the gondolas are linked to fuel and control lines mounted inside the wall of the gondola. Control is 'by wire'. The main lift of the airship is controlled via the use of electric gas pumps dedicated to the five major cell regions, to control the flow of gas throughout the airship. These are mostly automated to allow for a smooth, stable flight, with manual over-ride for manoeuvres and altitude change. Gas is released from cells via electric activation of gas escape valves, with moves gas from the airship, or can be reverse-pumped into reserve gas cylinders, conditions permitted. The airship holds six 3m^3 reserve cylinder working typically at 250 bar, with a maximum pressure of 300 bar from gas back-pumped. Crew & Crew Facilities It is recommended to crew the airship for short-haul flights (under 36 hours) with at least ten crew and two officers, for operation of the airship. This can be reduced to eight crew if necessary, though it should be noted that unloading and loading operations are likely to be hindered. For flight periods over 36 hours, with the Tradewind 100, or in poor conditions, it is recommended that two engineering crew are carried aboard to provide inflight repairs. Note that such flights will require multiple fuelling stops. The airship gondola is commonly divided into three sections for the crew, with the bridge and equipment store needing no explanation. The crew section is designed for mixed role sleeping and recreation, with three-tier bunk units provided for sleeping and sound-proof screening available between the sleeping area and the communal messing/recreational area. The unit may also be provided with a chemical toilet, with limited capacity for the onboard crew. Water is piped into the messing area, with waste water dumped into the toilet tank, and (in the unlikely case of overflow) ejected from the airship. ------------------------------ Stats Tradewind 100 Length: 200m Diameter: 40m Volume: 235 000 m^3 Empty Mass: 60 tonnes Control Gondola Mass: 10 tonnes Control Gondola Length: 12m Control Gondola Width: 4m Control Gondola Height: 2m Raw Helium Lift: 272 000kg Maximum Helium Payload: 160 tonnes Range: 500km Fuel: Diesel Maximum Speed: 140km/h Service Ceiling: 6000m Tradewind 200 Length: 200m Diameter: 40m Volume: 235 000 m^3 Empty Mass: 58 tonnes Control Gondola Mass: 15 tonnes Control Gondola Length: 16m Control Gondola Width: 4.5m Control Gondola Height: 2m Raw Helium Lift: 272 000kg Maximum Helium Payload: 160 tonnes Maximum Payload (Including 45 degree VT): 190 tonnes Range: 550km Fuel: Diesel Maximum Speed: 100km/h Service Ceiling 6500m Tradewind 300 Length: 200m Diameter: 40m Wingspan: 80m Volume: 235 000 m^3 Empty Mass: 58 tonnes Control Gondola Mass: 15 tonnes Control Gondola Length: 16m Control Gondola Width: 4.5m Control Gondola Height: 2m Raw Helium Lift: 272 000kg Maximum Helium Payload: 170 tonnes Maximum Payload (Including 45 degree VT): 200 tonnes Range: 600km Fuel: Diesel Maximum Speed: 120km/h Service Ceiling 6500m Tradewind 800 Length: 200m Diameter: 40m Wingspan: 110m Volume: 235 000 m^3 Empty Mass: 58 tonnes Control Gondola Mass: 11 tonnes Control Gondola Length: 15m Control Gondola Width: 5m Control Gondola Height: 2.4m Raw Helium Lift: 272 000kg Maximum Helium Payload: 175 tonnes Maximum Payload (Including 45 degree VT): 215 tonnes Range: 800km Fuel: Compressed Methane Maximum Speed: 130km/h Service Ceiling 6500m -------------------------------------- Cargo Gondola Options Standard - Palleted Load - RIRO The standard insulated unit for palleted loads. Made from CFRP and aluminium, with thinsulate used to keep the interior warm/cool. Length - 30m Width - 9m Height - 3m Volume - 810 m^3 Empty Mass - 28 tonnes Lightened - Palleted Load - RIRO The walls of the gondola on this design are made from aerofibre to stop the wind and reduce resistance, with only the floor staying at the same thickness. Joists are further lightened. Not for loads requiring external insulation. Length - 36m Width - 9m Height - 3m Volume - 972 m^3 Empty Mass - 18 tonnes Vehicle Load - RIRO The gondola features a thickened floor for vehicles, with wheel straps and wedges to prevent excessive movement in case of rough flights. The gondola features doors at both end to allow vehicles to exit, with a small central amenity block providing toileting and emergency facilities to drivers (urged to stay in vehicles), with access to the airship internal maintenance walkways for emergencies requiring movement to the gondola. Not recommended for flight above 1000m, with safety procedures in case of an incident requiring both operator discretion, including any customisations to this gondola. Length - 40m Width - 10m Height - 3.2m Volume - 1280 m^3 Empty Mass - 31 tonnes Vehicle (car) Capacity - 40 Liquid Transport Two large liquid storage tank is held on the underside of the airship, to hold uncompressed liquids. Cooling and heating can be provided. Length - 20m Diameter - 5m each Volume - 700m^3 total Empty Mass- 25 tonnes Cage Load For irregular loads, the cage gondola is a mere joist frame to hold the load, with suspension points for larger loads. Flooring may be added as necessary for loads, along with cable ties at suggested points along the frame. Length - 40m Width - 15m Height - 5m Empty Mass - 17 tonnes |
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3:42 PM Jul 11