-=> Quoting Jack Sargeant to Fred Austin <=-
 JS> The post in question is, of course, one of the updates I cross-posted
 JS> from a news group, and not one of my own concoctions. However, just to
 JS> make a point, think about the dirigible construction process for a
 JS> moment. It is theoretically possible to construct a dirigible as big
 JS> as the one depicted in the Phoenix incident. Simply strap a bunch of
 JS> gas bags together and cover with an aluminized skin. The shape can be
 JS> any shape they want. (Think of some of the hot-air balloon designs
 JS> they come out with.)  In my hypothetical "flying saucer," it could
 JS> look just like the one in the movie, INDEPENDENCE DAY. ...But mine
 JS> would be a simple lighter than air vehicle, and not an exotic anti-
 JS> gravity machine from outer space.  Such a device could serve as
 JS> a transport for thousands of people. If the Hindenburg were re-built
 JS> and flown around the country today, it would be a spectactular
 JS> marvel, 800 ft. long, but with 65 year old technology.
Actually, Jack, such a device was flown in 1961.
It was touted as something totally new in airships.  The device was
intended to be used in Canada to life large logs out of logging camps.
At least, that was initial use of it -- there were photos at the time
of such an operation.
Structurally, it was two dirigible-shaped hulls connected at one end
to form a V.  Then, across the open end was placed a cylindrical gasbag.
The control cabin was suspended just below the point of the V.
The first one used small hulls -- I think about 200 feet long.  But there
is no reason it couldn't have been made larger.
Today, instead of using small reciprocating engines as did the 60s device,
we'd use a few small turbine engines.  The sound from those could be 
masked more easily.
Such a airship, built properly, would be invisible to radar for all
practical purposes and almost silent.  The problems with it are that it 
requires a ground crew and a place to be maintained.  And, if found
by practically any airplane, would be easy to follow.
This last point is worth following.  Why, if there's a large flying
object sighted over any large city, doesn't the local police department  
send out their airplane to have a look?  What happened to all the 
General Aviation pilots in events like that?
Michael
... Are cats supposed to thump when you dry 'em in the dryer?
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