| Objective In this paper, a low cost and light composite skin design was introduced which can be used in empennage of middle and small size airship. This kind of composite skin has many advantages, such as light weight, excellent mechanical, and can easily obtain good aerodynamic configuration. Methods The research methods included material selection, connection design and typical skin performance test. Results The result of performance test showed that the composite skin has excellent mechanical, high reliability, and good maintainability. Conclusion Compared with the envelop materials, the structure weight can reduce by 30%. Besides, this kind of composite skin has other use value in the decoration of airship truss structure. |