Weird Wings - Skyship

In an airship hangar at Cardington, England, on April 17, 1975, a 30 foot diameter scale model of the projected Skyship airship was demonstrated by designer John West. He planned to produce a 200-foot diameter machine with a 6-10 ton payload, and eventually a 400-ton cargo-carrying version.

It would have a range of up to 1,000 miles and speed of about 100 m.p.h. The shape was intended to minimise the effect of ground winds and allow for a good load distribution. Vectored thrust from its fan jets would be used for docking. Low operating costs would make it a suitable transport for use in Third World countries.