The freaky 'aircraft' of America

This LEMV is not really a balloon. Technically, it is considered a "crossbreeding" aircraft, with three main sources for the ship to fly in the sky.

>>> Video: American bizarre aircraft

The first is a system similar to the one that helps airships fly. A second source is the aerodynamic. The third factor is the propulsion of four diesel engines and air-driven propellers.

This combination is useful because it eliminates one of the most common problems with balloons: a very delicate balance.

Alan Metzger, director of the Northrop Grumman Aircraft Flight Program, said he expects the LEMV to be able to fly for 3 weeks, which can carry up to 1133kg, and travel at 30-80knots.

"When you do a calculation of $ 20,000 to maintain this device in heaven for 3 weeks, it's too cheap to operate a lot of conventional aircraft today. It also allows you to weigh between the moment you want to stay up and the amount of goods you want to carry, " said Alan Metzger.

He added that the "airplane" used only one-fourth of the fuel for similar cargo.

"We now have the opportunity to prove that a medium of this size and type can carry the load that is needed, with the long lasting and persistent spy capabilities that fighters need," Metzger said. more

With a flight time of up to 3 weeks, this 'airship' does not need a crew, but when deployed locally or abroad, it must fly through civilian airspace. This means that the aircraft must be manned in addition to automatic or "remote" control.

This "aircraft" is one of the products of Lockheed Martin, USA.