lighter-than-air aircraft
Quick Summary
Lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft are designed to float by displacing ambient air with a gas that is lighter than air, such as heated air, hydrogen, or helium. This principle is similar to how a cork floats on water.12
Types of LTA aircraft include:
* Balloons: These are not steerable and drift with the wind.12
* Nonrigid airships (blimps): These have a defined shape and contain cells filled with a lifting agent. They are propelled and controllable in flight.1
* Dirigibles: These had a rigid structure and were capable of higher speeds but proved difficult to operate safely in all weather conditions.1
Historically, balloons were adopted for military duties as early as the late 18th century for reconnaissance. The development of the airship in the late 19th century and the airplane in the early 20th century marked the beginning of true military aviation. While airplanes have largely supplanted airships for many roles, balloons continue to be used for scientific exploration and sport.32
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