FAQ
Corporate
What is LTA Research?
LTA is an aerospace research and development company focused on building the next generation of airships that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and capable than ever before. We aim to redefine air travel and transportation with our innovative lighter-than-air technology.
Where is LTA Research located?
LTA has locations in the U.S. with strong ties to airship and aviation history. Our offices are in Akron, Ohio; Mountain View, California; Sunnyvale, California; and Gardnerville, Nevada.
What is Pathfinder 1?
Pathfinder 1 is LTA’s proof-of-concept airship that demonstrates the novel design, engineering, and manufacturing that will bring a new generation of airships to flight. Pathfinder 1 is 406.5 feet long and 66 feet wide and is the first step toward realizing our vision of leading the future of aviation with innovative lighter-than-air technology. Explore Pathfinder 1.
Has the FAA cleared Pathfinder 1 to fly?
The FAA granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to Pathfinder 1, allowing for flight testing in an expanded geographic region throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is the flight testing process for Pathfinder 1?
Flight testing is an extensive and ongoing process designed to assess and validate the operations and flight systems. LTA is conducting advanced flight testing at Moffett Federal Airfield and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Where is Pathfinder 1 conducting its test flights?
LTA will continue to conduct flight testing for Pathfinder 1 at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, CA and around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Technology
What are Pathfinder 1’s flying capabilities?
Pathfinder 1 is designed to have a range of approximately 2,500 miles and is currently permitted to fly at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet.
How much weight can Pathfinder 1 carry?
The term “payload” refers to the amount of people or goods an airship can carry. It is calculated by subtracting the weight of the airship from its gross lift, and varies depending on factors like duration of the trip and altitude of the flight. We expect Pathfinder 1’s payload to be between 2,000 kg and 5,000 kg, depending on the final weight of the airship and the individual mission.
How many passengers can Pathfinder 1 carry?
The Pathfinder 1 gondola is designed to carry 14 Flight Test team members.
What makes LTA Research airships different from airships of the past?
LTA is building next-generation airships at a scale that has not been attempted for more than 80 years. To build and fly airships that are lighter, safer, and more capable, we have reimagined and redesigned every component, from the engineering and materials to assembly and pilot training.
Research
How will airships increase efficiency in aviation?
Solar and electric-powered airships have the potential to significantly reduce the cost and resources used in modern aircraft.
What is the difference between an airship and a blimp?
An airship is built around a hard outer hull, allowing it to retain its shape even when not filled with helium. A blimp, on the other hand, has no rigid framework—its shape is maintained entirely by the pressure of the lifting gas inside, similar to a balloon.
Can airships help to improve humanitarian aid?
Our airships will have the ability to complement, and even speed up, humanitarian disaster response and relief efforts, so that many more lives can be saved. Airships do not require aviation infrastructure like airstrips and landing zones, allowing them to deliver food, equipment, supplies, and other life-saving aid to areas impacted by natural disasters.
Is Pathfinder 1 an eVTOL?
No. Pathfinder 1 is a rigid airship that gets its lift from helium and has electric motors for propulsion and directional control.
What efforts is LTA making to conserve helium?
At LTA Research, we treat helium like the precious resource that it is and keep our helium footprint small by containing and recycling it. We are always looking for new ways to increase our efficiency.
How will airships contribute to jobs and economic growth?
LTA has already generated new jobs in California, Nevada, and Akron, Ohio – the birthplace of American airships. By building on this legacy, we believe lighter than air technology will continue to generate new jobs and economic growth in the regions where we are developing, manufacturing, and flying these aircraft.