A unique aerial spectacle caught the attention of central Alberta residents recently, prompting inquiries about a 20-meter airship sighting. While the sight of a Goodyear Blimp may be common at sporting events, spotting such a craft in rural Alberta is quite rare.
The airship in question was a solar-powered vehicle, similar in size to a school bus, being tested for aerial survey data collection near Rocky Mountain House, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Edmonton. A collaborative team from Cloudline, a South African aerospace company that designed the airship, and its Canadian partner, 3 Points in Space Media, conducted flight trials at Rocky Mountain House Airport.
Describing the airship as akin to a helium party balloon, Sean Adams, CEO of 3 Points in Space Media, oversaw a trial with TC Energy to inspect pipeline corridors in the area. This innovative airship technology, which combines control systems with the traditional blimp concept, represents a significant advancement in autonomous airships.
The preparation for the airship’s flights involves helium filling and diagnostic checks while tethered, followed by calibration runs and long-distance survey flights. The airship, classified as a remotely piloted aircraft system, boasts automated flight controls, making it ideal for data collection in remote regions like pipeline and infrastructure monitoring.
Cloudline’s CEO, Spencer Horne, highlighted the airship’s 40-kilogram payload capacity, enabling it to carry heavier camera and LiDAR sensors over extended distances compared to standard drones. Despite its capabilities, Adams acknowledged the limitations of airships in severe weather conditions, prompting efforts to enhance their resilience for broader applications.
The collaboration with TC Energy aims to leverage the airship’s capabilities for comprehensive data collection in a single flight, offering a quieter alternative to conventional aircraft. The venture represents a modern renaissance of historic aviation technology, bridging the gap between past achievements and present advancements.
The appearance of the airship in the Rocky Mountain House area generated significant local interest, with residents marveling at the rare sight. While Cloudline operates airships globally, including in South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya, autonomous airships remain a novelty in Canadian airspace. The next phase for the flight team involves cold-weather testing in northern Ontario to prepare the airship for sub-zero and Arctic operations.