Thermal airship

This is very similar to a hot air balloon, with the notable exception that an airship has a powered means of propulsion, whilst a hot air balloon relies on winds for navigation.

They are also routinely deflated after each flight and can be readily packed for storage and/or transport, making them blimps rather than rigid airships.

In 2006, a new type of envelope employing a tensile membrane structure was developed by Skyacht Aircraft.

The tail-mounted propeller provides for vectored thrust steering, allowing tight turns.

Once the envelopes are sufficiently full, a propane burner is ignited and the inflation is completed using heated air.