In this work, fiber-reinforced laminates for the envelope (hull) of high-altitude airships were developed using a novel design concept utilizing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) as the adhesive component layer with high gas barrier properties. The other component layers of the laminates included poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (Zylon®) fabric, metalized Mylar® (polyester) and metallized Kapton® (polyimide). The envelope materials were developed in two different strength categories. In the first category, three laminate designs were developed with strength ranging from 945-970 N/cm. The second group had one laminate design with a strength of 702 N/cm. These laminates with basis weights ranging from 103-113 g/m 2 , are the lightest envelope materials developed to date. As a function of their high strength and low basis weights, the new envelope materials have significantly higher specific strength (ranging from 911-925 kN.m/kg) compared to other envelope constructions published in the open literature. Other outstanding properties of the laminates include low helium permeability ranging from 0.4-8.0 cc/m 2 .24 hr.1 atm, high tear strength, UV and visible light (UV-Vis) resistance, and high creep resistance.