Flying Around the World in under 80 Days
Channeling Jules Verne, this detailed thought experiment explores the feasibility of building 'Avis LXXX,' a small, autonomous hydrogen airship drone designed to circumnavigate the globe in under 80 days. The article meticulously breaks down engineering challenges, from weight budgets and power systems to route planning and political airspace navigation. HN's technical crowd will appreciate the deep dive into practical limitations and innovative solutions for this ambitious project.
The Lowdown
The article proposes and investigates the technical feasibility of creating an autonomous airship drone, named Avis LXXX, capable of circumnavigating the world in less than 80 days. Inspired by Jules Verne's classic and existing solar-powered airships, the author delves into the design considerations, aiming for a relatively modest budget.
- Goal & Speed: The primary objective is a sub-80-day autonomous global circumnavigation, requiring an average speed of 10 m/s (approx. 20 km/h) to cover 40,000 km.
- Buoyancy & Power: To maximize efficiency, the drone would be an airship, using hydrogen for lift and powered by electric motors with high-efficiency solar panels and LiPo batteries for continuous day/night operation.
- Design & Materials: A target size of 4 meters in length, with a composite outer shell (e.g., PVA, EVOH) for durability and hydrogen containment, reinforced by a carbon fiber exoskeleton.
- Weight Budget: A meticulously planned 8.1 kg total weight budget (including structure, battery, solar panel, motors, electronics, and hydrogen) is estimated against an initial lift of 10.3 kg, highlighting the critical impact of temperature, altitude, and hydrogen leakage on buoyancy.
- Propulsion & Electronics: Miniaturized brushless motors, lightweight propellers, and compact navigation/communication systems (like LoRa or SigFox) are planned.
- Route Strategy: Leveraging East-to-West trade winds is crucial. A proposed route from Southern Spain, across the Atlantic, Central America (Nicaragua), the Pacific, Southern Asia (Thailand), the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean, aims for a faster 51-day journey.
- Key Challenges: Significant hurdles include maintaining altitude despite atmospheric changes and hydrogen loss, navigating complex legal and political airspace regulations, ensuring reliable long-range communication, and managing the budget for specialized materials, equipment, and extensive research and trials.
Ultimately, the author concludes that while numerous significant challenges exist, none present a fundamental, insurmountable barrier to a successful circumnavigation. The project is presented as a compelling thought experiment, driven by the allure of setting new endurance records and the inherent coolness of airship technology.