Craft — Lighter-than-air

: Use a partial keel or frame to support the envelope and distribute weight. 2. Lifting Agents

: Unpowered aerostats that drift with the wind or are tethered in place. Pilots primarily control altitude by adjusting the gas temperature or releasing ballast.

Lighter-than-air (LTA) craft, also known as , operate on the principle of buoyancy—displacing a volume of air with a gas that is less dense, thereby creating upward lift. Unlike airplanes, which rely on aerodynamic lift generated by movement through the air, LTA craft can remain aloft while stationary. 1. Types of LTA Craft lighter-than-air craft

The choice of gas determines the lift capacity and safety profile of the craft:

: Feature an internal structural framework that holds the gas cells and maintains the ship's shape regardless of gas pressure. : Use a partial keel or frame to

: Rely entirely on internal gas pressure to maintain their shape.

: Powered, steerable aerostats equipped with engines and control surfaces like rudders and elevators for navigation. Pilots primarily control altitude by adjusting the gas

LTA vehicles are broadly categorized into unpowered and powered versions: