Air Plenum Chamber - a pressurized chamber that controls the flow of air into and out of the airship ballonet(s) 

Air Sleeve - a long collapsible tube contained within the envelope. The air sleeve allows the airship crew to inspect and maintain the airship without the need to deflate the envelope. 

Ballast - removable weight that can be added to, or removed from the airship depending on atmospheric conditions 

Ballast Compartment - one or more containers, usually with outside access, used to adjust the amount of ballast needed to maintain proper buoyancy for optimal flight operations. 

Ballonet - One or more tent-like enclosures contained within the outer airship "skin" or envelope. A ballonet allows helium gas to expand and/or contract without deforming, stretching or damaging the airship envelope. 

Batten - a strut, similar to that of an umbrella arrayed in a series located in the front section of the airship envelope, behind the nose cone. Battens are used reduce envelope deformity in flight. 

Catenary - a series of patches (external) or curtains (internal) used to secure the fin assembly and gondola to the airship envelope. 

Elevator Wheel - part of the airship flight controls, the elevator wheel is connected by cables to the fin assembly. It is similar to a car or boat steering wheel. 

Envelope - a sewn or sealed series of gores that make up the airship "skin". 

Fin Assembly - fabric covered welded metal (normally aluminum) framework attached to the rear section of the airship envelope. Fins provide vertical and horizontal flight stability. The upright rudder assembly provides directional control. 

Gondola - a covered welded steel tube frame with passenger seating, inboard fuel tank(s), air plenum chamber and flight controls. It is the cabin or compartment in which people and equipment fly. 

Gore - a fabric panel that, when sewn or sealed together with other panels, makeup the airship envelope.