Last week, an unusual aerial spectacle in central Alberta caught the attention of onlookers who were surprised by the appearance of a 20-meter airship. While the sight of a Goodyear Blimp at a sports event is not uncommon, spotting such an aircraft in rural Alberta is a rare occurrence.
The airship, powered by solar energy and resembling the size of a school bus, was being tested for aerial survey data collection near Rocky Mountain House, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Edmonton. A team from Cloudline, a South African aerospace company that produced the airship, along with its Canadian partner, 3 Points in Space Media, conducted trial flights at the Rocky Mountain House Airport.
Sean Adams, the CEO of 3 Points in Space Media, likened the airship to a helium party balloon and highlighted its innovative approach to aerial data collection. This technology, although based on traditional airship concepts, incorporates advanced control systems, making it an autonomous aircraft.
The airship underwent pre-flight preparations, including helium filling and diagnostic checks, before calibration runs and long-distance survey flights. The aircraft, classified as a remotely piloted system with automated controls, is particularly useful for data collection in remote areas such as monitoring pipelines and infrastructure.
According to Spencer Horne, CEO of Cloudline, the airship’s payload capacity allows it to carry heavier camera and LiDAR sensors over extended distances compared to standard drones. While crewed aircraft may be more suitable for extreme weather conditions, efforts are being made to enhance the airship’s capabilities for such scenarios.
The collaboration between 3 Points in Space Media and TC Energy aims to revolutionize aviation technology by combining historical airship concepts with modern advancements. The presence of the airship sparked curiosity among locals in the Rocky Mountain House area, generating significant interest on social media platforms.
Looking ahead, the flight team plans to conduct cold-weather tests in northern Ontario to ensure the airship’s readiness for operations in sub-zero temperatures and Arctic conditions. Despite being used internationally, autonomous airships remain a rare sight in Canadian airspace, signifying a new era in aerial survey technology.