lift calculations for scaled modeling 1

[rcbuilder]

I've recently become interested in r/c modeling. I'm trying to build an airship from scratch and need to find out how to caculate the size of ship needed to lift the weight of itself. Obviously I'm not an engineer but I enjoy building things just to see if I can make them work. Help from anyone who can and don't mind helping would be greatly appreciated. I'm also interested in suggestions as to the use of different gases which may be available besides helium. Thanks alot for any help given.

 

[insideman]

Helium is definitely the gas to choose. Hydrogen is seriously dangerous! Nothing else comes close in lifting power.

Rule of thumb for lift is one ounce per cubic foot. Unless you are working at high altitudes.

Pat

http://www.aquasite.com/skonkworks

 

[rkpant]

This is in response to insideman's comment on thumbrule for airship's lifting capacity.

I am interested in designing a helium filled airship that can lift a payload of 100 kg at an altitude of 3500 m (~11500 ft). Can anyone advise how to estimate the shape and size of such an airship ? Are there any guidelines on airship design available in some textbooks / handbooks / journals / websites?