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make geological survey and to make maps, to look for off-shore oil and minerals, to
take tourists to roadless, but beautiful places, to deliver heavy loads to remote regions
and bring the products back. They have a potential use as a flying platform. In
general, their possibilities are endless. They do not need expensive runways required
by cargo planes.
Besides, the technological possibilities of manufacturing these crafts have
changed. In 1920 and 1930’s the dirigibles were manned by a big crew. Today being
equipped with electronic control they can be operated by three pilots.
The modern dirigibles have one more important advantage aver older models –
that of complete safety in flight, for, instead of hydrogen, they are filled with helium
which does not burn. The craft is 200 feet long and is made of superstrong material.
In future it may be possible to build a dirigible with a metal hull that could
carry hundreds of passengers and transport cargo around the world. In fact, it is
probably as a cargo vehicle that the dirigible will have the best chance to find its use.
15.4. EXERCISES
1. Ответьте на вопросы.
1.
What are the exceptions of returning to the past?
2.
Why is dirigible attractive?
3.
What is it ideally suited for?
4.
How have the technological possibilities of manufacturing these crafts changed?
5.
What is the important advantage of the modern dirigibles?
6.
Why will the dirigible have the best chance to find its use?
2. Переведите следующие предложения с опорой на текст.
1.
Люди не собираются возвращаться в прошлое, если дело касается
техники.
2.
Dirigibles have suddenly begun to reappear.
3.
Так как его рабочая скорость 60 миль в час, она слишком мала для
перевозки пассажиров.
4.
It is cheaper to operate than a helicopter, comfortable and capable of flying for
several days.
5.
Дирижабль идеально подходит для исследования и проведения
межевания новых регионов, организации геологической разведки и
составления карт местности.
6.
Dirigibles may be used to take tourists to roadless, but beautiful places, to
deliver heavy loads to remote regions.
7.
Возможности дирижабля безграничны.
8.
Besides, the technological possibilities of manufacturing these crafts have
changed.
9.
Современные дирижабли абсолютно безопасны в полете, так как вместо
водорода их заполняют гелием.
