A unique aerial spectacle caught the attention of central Alberta residents last week, sparking curiosity about a 20-meter airship floating in the sky. While Goodyear Blimps are common at sporting events, the sight of a solar-powered airship resembling a school bus conducting aerial surveys near Rocky Mountain House was a rare occurrence.
The airship, designed by South African aerospace company Cloudline and operated by Canadian partner 3 Points in Space Media, underwent flight tests at Rocky Mountain House Airport. This innovative technology, described as similar to a helium party balloon but with advanced control systems, was being used to inspect pipeline corridors in the region.
The pre-flight routine involved filling the airship with helium, conducting diagnostic checks while tethered, and then releasing it for calibration runs before embarking on long-distance survey flights. The airship, classified as a remotely piloted aircraft system, is ideal for gathering data in remote areas like monitoring pipelines and infrastructure, offering a unique alternative to traditional aircraft and smaller drones.
Cloudline’s CEO Spencer Horne highlighted the airship’s ability to carry heavier camera and LiDAR sensors over extended distances compared to standard drones. Despite its advantages, the team acknowledged that crewed aircraft are better suited for extreme weather conditions, an area they aim to enhance for future applications.
The initiative received positive feedback from TC Energy’s vice-president of pipeline integrity, Joe Zhou, who emphasized the quieter and multi-functional aspects of the airship’s data collection capabilities. This project marks a modern resurgence of historic aviation, as the team pays homage to the pioneering spirit of airships from the past, symbolized by a fabric swatch from the Graf Zeppelin attached to the payload.
Local residents in Rocky Mountain House marveled at the airship, with Mayor Shane Boniface expressing excitement over the rare sighting and the social media buzz it generated. While Cloudline operates airships globally, the presence of autonomous airships in Canadian airspace remains uncommon. The team’s next challenge involves cold-weather testing in northern Ontario to prepare the airship for sub-zero and Arctic conditions.