Structures of the Low Altitude Stationary Flight Test Vehicle

Between March and November 2004, the flight tests of the low-altitude stationary flight test vehicle were successfully conducted at Taiki-cho, Hokkaido, Japan. The objectives of these flight tests were to study structural feasibility, as well as control and operational methods, for a stratospheric platform. The structures of this airship are briefly outlined. This airship employed new envelope materials developed for the stratospheric platform. The development test data, as well as deterioration test data of these materials, are shown. The design loads are compared with the flight test results. Some considerations are given to ballonet sloshing.