Boeing to work on heavy-lift cargo blimp

Boeing to work on heavy-lift cargo blimp    The Boeing Co. has entered an agreement with Canadian firm SkyHook International to build a new commercial heavy-lift blimp designed to meet the infrastructure limits and expense of transporting equipment and materials in remote regions.
   'We conducted a feasibility study and decided this opportunity is a perfect fit for Advanced Systems' technical capabilities,' said Pat Donnelly, director of Boeing's Advanced Rotorcraft Systems, in a July 8 statement.
   With the empty weight of the aircraft supported by the helium filled 'envelope,' Boeing said the lift generated by the four rotors of the dirigible is dedicated solely to lifting the payload.

An artist's rendition of the proposed SkyHook heavy-lift blimp.

   The so-called SkyHook JHL-40 aircraft will be capable of lifting a 40-ton sling load and transporting it up to 200 miles without refueling in harsh environments, such as the Canadian Arctic and Alaska.
   'Currently, conventional land and water transportation methods in these undeveloped regions are inadequate, unreliable and costly,' Boeing said. 'With its lifting capacity and range, the SkyHook JHL-40 aircraft changes that for a variety of industries around the world.'
   'The list of customers waiting for SkyHook's services is extensive, and they enthusiastically support the development of the JHL-40,' said Pete Jess, SkyHook president and chief executive officer.
   Boeing will design and build two production prototypes of the JHL-40 at its Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Park, Pa. SkyHook will own, maintain, operate and service all JHL-40 aircraft for its customers worldwide. Boeing said the JHL-40 would enter commercial service as soon as it is certified by Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.