In simple terms, a thermal airship is a hot-air balloon that is shaped to resemble a slightly fatter version of the Goodyear airship. The primary difference is that it is inflated with low cost hot-air rather than expensive helium. Beneath the envelope — the bag that holds the hot-air — is a streamlined metal gondola that carries two people, propane-powered burners to warm the air, and an engine which drives the large propeller that moves the craft forward. Each flight will use just a few gallons of propane for the envelope heater and even less gasoline for the engine. A crew of three - pilot plus two ground staff - can operate a Cameron airship, which packs away into a trailer when not in use. No expensive hangar or mooring mast are required.

The propeller mounted behind the crew gondola is driven by a small but powerful engine. When the pilot opens the throttle the airship moves forward; operate the rudder control and the craft will turn almost within its own length. In truth it's a little more complicated than that, but not much. With a top speed of around 15 miles per hour (24 Km/hr) and a preference for the lighter wind conditions that are found in the early mornings and evenings, the Cameron thermal airship is not designed for long cross country journeys. In any case, it's easier and faster to pack it away and take it by road to a new location. Where the craft offers unbeatable cost effectiveness is in local promotions. Watch it fly alongside the rush hour traffic or over an important sporting event. Or, simply cruise it around the car parks at major shopping malls.