A highly maneuverable powered airship is disclosed. The powered airship may include an exterior shell having a front portion, a rear portion and a main axis; the exterior shell may be configured with an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 9:1. The powered airship may further include a motor powered by an energy source, the motor mounted to the rear portion of the exterior shell and configured for selectively providing thrust parallel to the main axis and in any direction up to 90.degree. relative to the main axis. A solar-assisted, electrically powered airship and propeller assembly are also disclosed.