Sergey Zubov, a designer from Kemerovo, proposed a design for an unusual unmanned airship, which he named BUMERAD. The novelty combines the properties of an aerostat and an actively controlled aircraft.

The design received rocket micro-engines, solar panels, and a rigid frame in the shape of a forward-swept wing.

The main balloon is two-section and equipped with controllable ballonnets. They should not only provide additional lift but also act as a kind of control surfaces. Micro-engines are placed at the ends of the balloon, allowing for active maneuvering.

Batteries and solar panels, placed on the surface of the balloon, are provided for power supply. Inside the gondola there is also a mini-water electrolyzer designed to produce hydrogen.

BUMERAD can carry communication equipment, collect meteorological and geophysical data, work as a repeater, and certain versions allow for the installation of EW and weapons.

From the editorial board of "Pervy Tekhnichesky": placing a mini-electrolyzer for producing volatile hydrogen on board an apparatus equipped with pulsed rocket micro-engines is literally creating a flying powder keg. Any spark or leak will turn BUMERAD into the "Hindenburg" of the 21st century.

In addition, an airship by definition has enormous sail area, and no forward-swept wing will make it a maneuverable attack aircraft.