What is Pathfinder 1 Designed to Do?
Pathfinder 1 is LTA Research’s proof-of-concept aircraft that is demonstrating lighter-than-air technology, but what does “proof-of-concept” actually mean?
Updates
Understanding the Difference Between Rigid Airships, Semi-Rigid Airships, and Blimps
Pathfinder 1, LTA Research’s 406-foot-long proof-of-concept aircraft, is currently the only rigid airship flying today in 2026. For the first time since 1938, all three categories of airships are sharing the skies.
Pathfinder 1 Receives Exhibition Airworthiness Certificate
Earlier this month, Pathfinder 1 received approval for a new Exhibition Airworthiness Certification.
Pathfinder 1 Expands Flight Testing Area
With the recent renewal of Pathfinder 1’s Airworthiness Certificate, our flight-testing team is authorized to operate within an expanded flight envelope around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pathfinder 1 flies over San Francisco Bay
LTA Research marked a significant step forward in our ongoing flight test program today when Pathfinder 1, our prototype airship, flew outside of the airspace at Moffett Federal Airfield.
LTA Research announces new CEO
LTA Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Crozier as its new chief executive officer. Brett is a retired U.S. Navy Captain with a distinguished 30-year military career.
Pathfinder 1 achieves untethered outdoor flight
Today, Pathfinder 1 reached its next milestone of untethered outdoor flight. The airship operations crew and flight test team accompanied Pathfinder 1 from Hangar Two onto the runway at Moffett Federal Airfield.
Airship flight test program continues
At LTA Research, a groundbreaking flight test program is underway for Pathfinder 1, a rigid-body electric airship and the world’s largest flying vehicle. Each test phase is carefully planned and implemented.
LTA Research begins outdoor flight testing
The next phase of outdoor flight testing for LTA’s first full-size airship began today when Pathfinder 1 emerged from Hangar 2 at Moffett Field. The LTA team conducted outdoor flight operations testing.
In The News
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