WorldWide Drilling Resource

Airships And the Future of Exploration Compiled by Amy White Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource WorldWide Drilling Resource ® As rich, easily-reachable deposits de- crease, mining and exploration is expected to push even farther into isolated areas. The vision of giant airships as long as football fields delivering workers and equipment to remote sites is closer to reality than ever be- fore. Cost-conscious oil and gas companies are currently eyeing innovative new aircraft designs which could potentially carry work- ers and cargo to the world’s most remote locations. Companies are hopeful the aircraft could eliminate the need for hefty infrastructure investments to build roads and runways for access to otherwise inaccessible places. Straightline Aviation, the world’s largest airship company, signed a letter of in- tent to purchase up to 12 Lockheed Martin Hybrid Airships with a potential value of approximately $480 million. Straightline Aviation is working with Hybrid Enterprises, Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship reseller, to finalize the purchase agreement. “We are delighted to be first in line with this magnificent aircraft that is going to dramatically change the way cargo is moved around the world,” said Mike Kendrick, StraightlineAviation cofounder and chief executive officer. “The clear-cut economic and environmental advantages of these Hybrids are attracting vast amounts of at- tention from a wide-range of potential end users.” With its unique, tri-lobe shape and air cushion landing system, the HybridAirship, called the LMH-1, promises to affordably transport cargo and passengers while requiring little or no fixed ground infrastructure and burning significantly less fuel compared to conventional aircraft. The LMH-1 will be able to carry 47,000 pounds of cargo, along with 19 passengers. Buoyed by nonflammable helium, it will measure 300 feet long, and nearly 80 feet high. Four external, 300-horsepower diesel engines rotate to move the craft forward, back, up, and down. Straightline should start receiving the airships in 2018, with the final ones to arrive by 2021. The company expects its first airship customers to come from the exploration industry. Kendrick said potential customers are already showing interest as major oil and gas and mining companies look for ways to reinvent their businesses in a changing economy. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin. Congratulat ions to: Vickey Just ice Vickey Justice Justice Wel l Dr il l ing, Inc. , . Mar ion, NC Winner for May! Time for a Little Fun! May Puzzle Solution: Fred’s Water Service, Inc. Lansas Products Can you identify which ads in this issue these two photos came from? Win a prize! Send your completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 or fax to: 850-547-0329 _______________ _______________ Headed to JUBILEE? WWDR is! We invite everyone to come by and visit us at booth #103. Hope to see you and your family there, June 16-18! 38 JUNE 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®