Conceptual Design and Optimization of Hybrid Electric Airship Using SUAVE Tool

Hybrid Airships (HAs) represent a unique category of lighter-than-air (LTA) systems that derive approximately 60%–80% of their lift from the buoyancy provided by LTA gas, with the remaining lift generated through aerodynamic forces. Unlike traditional airships, which typically feature a single-lobed, axisymmetrical envelope design, the development of a hybrid airship necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. This approach must encompass various parameters, including geometry, environmental factors, aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion, and energy systems. These parameters exhibit interdependencies, making it essential to integrate them within a cohesive framework to achieve an optimal solution. The objective of the current work is to develop a multi-disciplinary design optimization methodology. This approach can be used to find out the shape and size of the envelope, break down the mass of different systems, design the size and layout of the solar array, and determine the best altitude for deployment at a specific location. It includes factors from five areas: environment, geometry, energy, structures, and aerodynamics, and takes into account how these factors interact with each other. In this study, the SUAVE tool is used to generate the disciplinary framework and as an optimizer in analyzing various critical aspects related to hybrid airship design. Multiple Geographical locations are taken as case study. This research holds the potential to use SUAVE tool for formulating Design framework along with Optimization framework in challenging interdependent disciplines.