TEHRAN – Iran’s Space Transportation Research Center has presented a design project for an airship that is planned to be developed within the next 10 years.

According to ISNA, Rahim Ehsani, the center’s director, announced the concept of the four-engine airship, which will be powered by solar panels installed on it.

According to Ehsani, the airship will fly semi-automatically, with landings and take-offs done manually by the crew, whereas the rest of the flight will be carried out by the autopilot using digital maps. He did not mention at what speed the vessel is expected to fly.

The project currently only exists as a concept and it is unknown for what purpose the aircraft will be used.

Airships are mostly used either for military purposes, such as reconnaissance, or for civilian ones, such as tourist attractions, tours or as advertisement platforms. They are also occasionally used as transportation in some countries.

Airships are currently used by the U.S., French and British militaries for reconnaissance purposes. Civilian versions are also used by several countries as tourist attractions and for sightseeing tours. They are also used in Japan for advertising.

SP/PA