Designed by Maxim Lezarev, a Kazakhstani creator, this Airship paper model is a straightforward project featuring five template pages and an instructional assembly video.
What’s the difference between a Zeppelin, a dirigible, a blimp and an airship?
All four terms refer to types of aircraft that are filled with a lifting gas, typically helium or hydrogen, to make them buoyant in the air. However, there are some key differences between them:
A Zeppelin is a type of airship that was first developed by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin in the late 19th century. Zeppelins are generally German-made (hence the “German” name). “Dirigible” is the corresponding French name (in French it’s the “gi” syllable that’s accented, and the word basically means “steerable”, compared to like a hot air balloon which is not). They typically have a rigid framework and are used for both commercial and military purposes.
A blimp is a type of non-rigid airship that does not have a rigid framework. They are typically smaller and less complex than Zeppelins and are mostly used for advertising and television broadcasts. Blimps are generally more the American term (like the “Goodyear blimp”).
An airship is a general term that can refer to any type of aircraft that is filled with a lifting gas. It includes both Zeppelins and blimps, but can also include other types of airships that do not fit into those two categories.
After World War II, the use of airships declined significantly due to advancements in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Some military surveillance and reconnaissance airships continued to operate, but passenger airship travel virtually disappeared. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in airships for various applications, including surveillance, cargo transport, and tourism. Advances in materials, technology, and environmental concerns have led to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly airship designs.
Download and build your own Airship papercraft by Maxim4Art.
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