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The town of Paris is about to launch a "new-generation" airship, destined to become a symbol of Parisian municipal policy in terms of innovation.
On Monday 19th October 2009, the
town of Paris presented a "
new-generation" airship, developed by the
Paris Région Innovation laboratory and with a 2011 launch date planned, to the Parisian Assembly.
This airship, which is non-polluting, silent, and runs on electric and solar energy, should be able to favourably replace helicopters over short distances. "
It’s a tool that will be really useful in terms of detecting air pollutants, and observing pollution levels, buildings’ insulation quality, traffic levels… " explains sociologist Jean-Louis Missika, Deputy (Socialist Party) to Bertrand Delanoë * responsible for Innovation, Research and Universities.
For the Deputy Mayor, it’s a "
means of transport for tomorrow ", one that complements existing means of transport, for passengers, be they Parisian or tourists, but also for freight: "
Today, we don’t know how to transport heavy loads by airship. This project could be a step towards mastering this know-how, which could allow us one day to achieve that kind of transportation. This is why we need high-level technological development."
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If all goes well, this prototype could have industrial developments", adds Jean-Louis Missika. "
For the moment, the town (of Paris) and the Ile de France region are providing the impetus and co-financing the feasibility study. Then, with the State, we’ll help the business and research clusters to certify the project, and we’ll give it legal support." The process will cost an estimated €2m.
* Bertrand Delanoë is the Mayor of Paris
