about the airship
The choice of airship for this mission is dictated by the performance requirements, such as height, duration and ability to carry the equipment and technicians, but also by availabilty and suitability for transportation to Peru. The Au-30 airship, built by RosAeroSystems in Moscow, appears to be well suited to the needs of the Nazca project. Other airships being considered include the smaller Lightship A60+ built by American Blimp Corporation.
These airships are of the non-rigid type which means that their shape is maintained by the internal helium gas pressure and air-filled compartments known as 'ballonets' which can expand or contract to compensate for changes in external air pressure, temperature and so on.
| Specifications | Au-30 | Lightship A60+ |
| Gross volume | 5,065 cu m (180,000 cu ft) | 1, 925 cu m (68,000 u ft) |
| Overall length | 54 m (177 ft) | 40 m (135 ft) |
| Cruise speed | 50-80 km/h (31-50 mph) | 52 km/h (32 mph) |
| Max speed | 105 km/h (65 mph) | 85 km/h (53 mph) |
