solar-powered airship
solas
In the face of the urgent challenges posed by climate change and the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions, it is essential that we rethink how we travel. The solar airship uses only solar power to connect continents in a climate-friendly way.
Passengers on board experience a slower, more mindful approach to long-distance travel, where the journey becomes part of the destination.
Its ability to land on both land and water makes it highly flexible and independent of extensive infrastructure. Spacious communal areas, breathtaking panoramic views and a thoughtfully designed interior create a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere throughout the voyage. Combining visionary technology with a new way of travelling, the solar airship proves that sustainable mobility and comfort can go hand in hand.
Project
Master Thesis
University
FH Joanneum
Year
2025
Concept
routes and destinations
The primary goal of route planning is to overcome large distances and oceans, thereby connecting continents in a meaningful way. Strategically selected destinations are targeted, which serve as hubs for connections to local or regional transport. This allows travellers to continue their journey flexibly within the targeted continent.
Stopovers along the route contribute to operational flexibility and at the same time increase the number of accessible destinations. They also allow guests to travel only certain sections of the route if they only want to cover a short leg or part of a longer journey.
Friedrichshafen
New York City
Rio de Janeiro
Capetown
Singapore
Range
Concept
land and board
The airship can land both on land and on water. The gondola on the bottom of the airship serves as a contact point with the ground. It has inflatable air cushions on the underside, which enable it to touch down gently on the ground or on the water and compensate for unevenness in the ground.
If landing on water, access to the gondola is directly from a shuttle boat which docks alongside the gondola.
On solid ground, access to the gondola is via a staircase carried on board.
hull
gondola
air cushion
gondola
shuttle
stairs
water
land
Concept
interior and accomodations
Restful sleep is essential for a trip lasting several days. Inside the airship, passengers can therefore be accommodated in private cabins with all the necessary amenities. Two different cabin types and comfort levels suit the individual needs of travellers. They can choose between exterior double cabins with en-suite bathrooms and showers, as well as interior compact single cabins. Like the window cabins, the interior cabins also have natural daylight, enabling a natural day-night rhythm.
double cabins
indoor cabins
indoor public space
with daylight
with window
with daylight
window cabin
indoor cabin
light tunnel
Exterior
The exterior of the airship follows a clearly structured design that results from the technical specifications. Various functional areas are integrated into the outer skin of the fuselage by recesses.
A raised tail gives the simple body a dynamic look and the voluminous shape a certain sportiness, while at the same time breaking with the overall symmetry of the fuselage.
The solar surface forms a central graphic element and is deliberately set apart from the lower part of the fuselage, structuring the overall body and clearly separating it visually. In formal terms, this creates a synthesis of soft transitions and precise, clear edges that contrast with the round basic shape and emphasise the technical character of the airship.
Bow
The bow is divided horizontally by the colour separation of the hull. An orange accent highlights the tip and thus the functional area for mooring the airship to an anchor mast.
Rear
The rear of the airship is characterised by the bold integration of the rudders, which significantly shape its silhouette. The vertical rudders appear to be inserted into the fuselage by means of a recess, visually dividing the rear into two parts. A connecting element joins the upper and lower rudders, creating a continuous shape. The horizontal elevators are arranged at right angles to the rudders, emphasising the clear, technical geometry of the rear.
Steering
There are two electric motors mounted on cantilevers on both the starboard and port sides of the hull. These are swivelling and enable precise control, especially during docking and departure manoeuvres.
The necessary thrust is provided by five-bladed propellers with a diameter of three metres. Despite their compact dimensions in relation to the overall size of the airship, these propellers are characterised by high efficiency and smooth operation.
Another rotor is integrated into the lower rudder. This enables the airship to turn precisely around its vertical axis, making it easier to navigate at low speeds.
Gondola
Inflatable air cushions underneath the gondola ensure that the airship stands securely on different surfaces. In addition, they enable a gentle landing on the surface and compensate for ground unevenness.
Interior
The interior of the airship is spread over three levels. The gondola is located at the bottom of the hull, providing access to the airship and housing the controls, reception area and observation lounge. Above this is a mezzanine deck, which is used for sporting activities. The lounge deck forms the top floor and houses the saloon, an indoor lounge area, cabins and washrooms. The levels are connected by a ramp.
upper deck
intermediate deck
gondola
Gondola
At the bottom of the airship's hull is a gondola that serves as an intersection between the airship and its surroundings. In addition to the controls, entrance and reception area, it also contains an observation lounge where passengers can enjoy the view and enhance their experience with digital information about the surroundings.
A folding platform serves as both an entrance to the airship and as a balcony, which passengers can use to relax in the fresh air during stopovers.
cockpit
front desk
observation lounge
entrance | outdoor lounge
Intermediate deck
In the activity area, a 150-metre-long running track leads through the lower part of the ship's hull. Although the intermediate deck has no windows, natural light from the lounge area above reaches the lower deck through perforated metal sheets. The intermediate deck also offers an unobstructed view of the outer skin and the structure of the hull, providing insight into the technical construction of the airship.
running track
Salon
The lounge on the upper deck is the airship's central meeting place. It has a symmetrical layout and includes a bar, an open restaurant area and lounges on both sides.
bar & restaurant
lounge
Indoor Public Space
In addition to the lounge and cabins, there is another public area on the main deck which, despite its indoor location, is illuminated by daylight via a light tunnel. This space is divided into different functional zones to meet the varying needs of passengers. It offers both quiet areas for rest and relaxation and communication areas that facilitate interaction between passengers. In addition, flexible spaces are available that can be used for lectures, presentations or other digital offerings. The lounge area is complemented by a work zone where passengers can concentrate on their work.
flexible space
communication zone
work zone
communication zone
flexible space
Window Cabin
Twenty exterior cabins are arranged along the outside of the airship, offering views of the passing landscape through large windows. Each window cabin has a double bed and its own bathroom with shower, making it ideal for couples or those travelling together. To make efficient use of the available space, the floor plans of the cabins overlap.
bathroom
double cabin
Indoor Cabin
There are 40 additional single cabins located on the inside. Each cabin is equipped with a single bed, a table with a folding stool, a washbasin and closets on both sides. The cabins are interlocked in pairs, making efficient use of their floor space. The compact indoor cabins are primarily intended for solo travellers, but if required, two adjacent cabins can be combined to form a double cabin that can be shared by two guests.
These cabins are connected to the daylight-flooded indoor area in the middle of the airship. Opaque polycarbonate panes allow the natural day-night rhythm to enter the indoor cabins, making the space feel less cramped and much more open. The natural light also helps passengers keep track of time.
single cabin
double cabin
Washrooms
As the interior cabins do not have their own bathrooms, shared washrooms are available to guests on each side of the corridor. Twenty passengers share a unisex area with washbasins, toilets and showers, providing them with full sanitary facilities despite the compact size of the cabins.
toilets
washbasins
showers
