Masdar Institute to host lecture on lighter-than-air aviation technology

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology today announced that it will host a guest lecture by Don Hartsell, Commissioner for the World Air League, who will discuss advances in lighter-than-air aviation (LTA) technology and its potential transformational role in the global economy for this century.

To be held on 28 May, at the Masdar Institute Auditorium, the lecture will be attended by students, faculty and various stakeholders in sustainable fields.

Don Hartsell said: "Starting with the proven engineering of the 1920s and 1930s, we will innovate for today to create new markets for green LTA transportation. With LTA solutions, there will be reduced need for building highways, railroads, harbors and runways. Essentially, LTA commerce can eliminate the need for building that last 1,000 miles of roads."

Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis, Head of the Institute Center for Smart and Sustainable Systems (iSmart) and Associate Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, said: “LTA systems provide some promising options for reducing aviation’s energy footprint in certain markets. iSmart welcomes Don Hartsell, who will be delivering a lecture on LTA and the World Sky Race, raising awareness about the advantages but also of limitations of these reemerging technologies.”

Hartsell will also speak in detail about how the World Sky Race plans to fly airships and zeppelins across the globe in 2016.