DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist
D A ILY INNOVATION BRIEF By Journalists Edward Kane & Marya nne Kane NEW TYPE OF AIRSHIP FROM CO-FOUNDER OF GOOGLE Source: LTA Research Google co-founder Sergey Brin is a big fan of dirigibles and is bankrolling the development of a huge, new type of dirigible airship. Here are some key facts: Next-G, new type of airship-dirigible, developed over the past ten years by LTA (Lighter Than Air) Research in California It's called Pathfinder 1 It's being called the world's largest aircraft Has latest technologies like electric motors, lidar sensor system, fly-by-wire controls Filled with non-flammable helium for lift Vertical take-off and landing vehicle Top speed - 75 mph Hybrid propulsion system has 2, 150 Kw diesel generators with 24 batteries to power 12 electric motors Just successfully flew its 1st test flight Single pilot vehicle that can carry 14 people Funded by billionaire Brin to achieve big breakthr