Large, Slow Airships Could Move Buildings

Algorithmnast writes "The Economist has a short article on using big, slow-moving airships to move large objects without the need to dismantle them. The company mentioned, Skylifter, refers to the lifting ship as an 'aerial crane,' not a Thor weapon. It could easily help move research labs to new parts of the Antarctic, or allow a Solar Tower to be inserted into an area that's difficult to drive to, such as a mesa in New Mexico."

Comments

Re:Helium

[MagicM]

"to lift 1000 grams (1 kg), you need about 163 grams (~0.16 kg) of helium"
150 tons = 150,000 kg
150,000 * 163 = 24,450,000 grams of helium needed
24,450,000 grams of helium = 137,000 cubic meters
"A billion cubic metres - or about half of the world's reserves"
2 billion / 137,000 = 14,598.5

14,598.5 airships before we run out of the current reserves. I think we're good. (Except for that last half airship, it'll be kinda screwed.)

Has been done before - and failed spectacularly.

[Wdi]

Remember Cargo Lifter?

One of the most spectacular failures during the wild technology startup stampede a decade ago in Germany. They burned several hundred millions before folding.

The only remaining legacy is a huge indoor pool in their former airship hangar...

Re:Is the company called ACME?

[Draconi]

Wile E. Coyote? Road Runner? A high speed pest?

Giant building sized anvil dropped from excessive heights courtesy an ACME Skylifter?

The joke - it is now explained

Re:Yeah, I saw that movie too.

[PinkyGigglebrain]

Squirrel!!