# Buoyant Blimp Hybrid Aircraft The 'Plimp' Borrows Blimp and Unmanned Drone Functionality By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2017-10-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blimp-hybrid References: [dailymail](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4950070/Meet-PLIMP-hybrid-craft-combines-plane-blimp.html) & [plimp](http://plimp.com/) The Plimp is a peculiar but groundbreaking new aircraft, conceived and manufactured by Seattle-based company Egan Airships, that is an [unmanned aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua-drone) that takes advantage of helium enveloping, placing it squarely in the novel category of blimp hybrid. What makes this craft so odd and unique is the fact that it has a pair of rotating wings that allow it to move up and down vertically, but when the craft moves forward, the wings are manipulated into a more conventional angle. What's more, the aircraft is totally unmanned and takes advantage of a helium envelope much like a typical blimp. With its flexible maneuvering and ability to move from place to place without an on-board pilot, the Plimp blimp hybrid craft could be used for everything from broadcasting advertising messages to carrying out [aerial surveillance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-1) projects for industrial and military purposes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Aircraft:** The Plimp blimp hybrid craft combines the functionality of a blimp and an unmanned drone, opening up opportunities for advancements in aerial technology. - **Helium Envelope:** The use of a helium envelope in the Plimp allows for weightless movement and opens doors for innovative airship designs. - **Unmanned Technology:** The unmanned capabilities of the Plimp create opportunities for autonomous aerial applications like broadcasting advertising messages or conducting surveillance projects. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can explore the integration of blimp and unmanned drone technology to revolutionize air travel and surveillance capabilities. - **Advertising:** The advertising industry can utilize the Plimp's unique capabilities for aerial marketing campaigns by broadcasting messages from the hybrid aircraft. - **Defense:** The defense industry can leverage the Plimp's unmanned capabilities for efficient and cost-effective aerial surveillance missions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Helium-Filled Airship Yachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-yacht.md) - [Seafaring Sky Yachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airyacht.md) - [Hybrid-Powered Unmanned Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybridpowered-unmanned-helicopter.md) - [Inflatable Body Digital Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sobar-drone.md) - [Eco-Friendly Stratospheric Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sceye-haps.md) - [Futuristic Bladeless Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetopetra.md) - [Avian African Aircraft Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircraft-concepts.md) - [Hybrid Movement Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-robot.md) - [Aerodynamic Gyroplane Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyroplane.md)