Re: No mention of the Hindenburg?
It is surprising that El Reg didn't refer to its own learned article about such vehicles.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09/11/first_rigid_airship_since_the_hindenburg_cleared_for_outdoor_flight_trials/
Here's what appears to be the latest news on that "heavy lift" project.
http://www.seeker.com/massive-airship-off-to-a-flying-start-1766451305.html