Giffard dirigible
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| Giffard dirigible | |
|---|---|
 A model of the Giffard airship at the London Science Museum |
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| Type | Experimental airship |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Henri Giffard |
| Designed by | Henri Giffard |
| Maiden flight | 1852 |
| Number built | 1 |
The Giffard dirigible or Giffard airship was an airship built in France in 1852, the first powered and steerable (French: dirigible - "directable") airship to fly. The craft featured an elongated hydrogen-filled envelope that tapered to a point at each end. from this was suspended a long beam with a triangular, sail-like rudder at its aft end, and beneath the beam a platform for the pilot and steam engine. Due to the inflammable nature of the lift gas, special precautions were taken to minimise the potential for the envelope to be ignited by the engine beneath it. The engine's exhaust was diverted downwards to a long pipe projecting below the platform, and the area surrounding the boiler's stoke hole was surrounded by wire gauze. On 24 September 1852, Giffard flew the airship from the Paris Hippodrome to Trappes, covering the 27 km (17 miles) in around 3 hours, demonstrating maneuvering along the way. The engine, however, was not sufficiently powerful to allow Giffard to fly against the wind to make a return journey.
[edit] Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Length: 44.00 m (144 ft 4 in)
- Volume: 300 m³ (10,600 ft³)
- Powerplant: 1 × steam engine, 2 kW (3 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 9 km/h (6 mph)
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 419.
- Rhode, Robert T. (2003). Ingenious Applications of Steam Power. Steam Traction. Ogden Publications. Retrieved on 2008-04-02.
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