Rep. Sykes Introduces AIRSHIP Act
The AIRSHIP Act would support research to advance innovations in airships vehicle technology, commonly known as blimps
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced the Airship Improvement Research for Safety and Humanitarian Innovation Projects (AIRSHIP) Act, legislation that would support the research into additional civil use cases for airships, often referred to as blimps, that could contribute to economic, sustainable and clean air cargo transportation, support disaster response efforts, and provide humanitarian aid to people and areas in need.
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is home to the most famous airship in the world – the Goodyear Blimp. This legislation will continue to establish our community as a global leader in airship technology, and it will encourage innovative uses of this method of transportation to address some of our nation’s most pressing problems,” said Rep. Sykes.
This bill authorizes NASA to create aeronautical research and technology initiatives for improved airship safety, noise, environmental impacts, and resiliency. It also gives NASA the authority to establish a program that awards grants to teams of aerospace researchers from universities, industry, and government to advance innovations in airship vehicle technology.
In the face of challenges such as global pandemics and climate related disasters, airships are uniquely capable of accessing remote locations or damaged landscapes and delivering resources and services where traditional aircraft often cannot. This bill could enable and reintroduce the world to practical, economical, and environmentally friendly airship transportation.
This legislation has been endorsed by Goodyear and the University of Akron.
The text of the bill can be found HERE, and a one-page summary can be found HERE.