Largest Airship in Russia: NOVA‑2 Balloon Segment Tests Completed Successfully

We completed the test cycle of the balloon segment NOVA‑2 (НОВА-2), an integral part of the envelope of a 2000 m³ airship. After finishing pressurization and inspection of the envelope, we moved to testing the segment. The tests were carried out in a laboratory where conditions approximated those of an actual flight.

The segment is intended to compensate for changes in the volume of the lifting gas and to maintain the required internal pressure in the envelope under different operating regimes. Before surface testing, we applied a special reference marking to the segment. A camera installed inside the envelope recorded the position of the marking, enabling us to track the fill level and shape of the segment during operation.

During the tests we pressurized the segment and verified its leak tightness. Excess pressure was generated inside relative to the main gas volume of the envelope, after which we monitored the pressure differential. This method allows detection of hidden leaks, including air flow from the segment directly into the gas volume.

The results showed no signs of prohibited leaks or deviations from the target parameters — the tests were successful. We will continue comprehensive testing of the NOVA‑2 (НОВА-2) envelope and proceed to the next major phase: the staged assembly of the airship.