In a move reminiscent of the golden age of zeppelins, British Aerospace (BAE) has unveiled its ambitious collaboration with Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV). The partnership aims to harness the potential of the Airlander 10, an ultra-low emissions aircraft, for defense and security applications.
The Airlander 10, a modern marvel with roots in a U.S. Army project from 2009, is not your grandfather’s airship. After the Army shelved the project, HAV took the reins, transforming the prototype into a commercial juggernaut. By August 2016, the skies witnessed the Airlander 10’s maiden voyage, signaling a new chapter in aviation history.
European regional operator, Air Nostrum, among others, has since recognized the airship’s potential, placing significant orders with HAV. With around $1.3 billion in reservations, the Airlander 10 is poised to redefine air travel.
Spanning 320 feet and buoyed by helium, the Airlander 10 is an engineering marvel. It boasts a range of 4,600 miles and can stay airborne for an impressive five days. Its design, a fusion of classical airship aesthetics and modern aircraft functionality, ensures fuel efficiency by providing additional lift. With a capacity to transport up to 10 tonnes, it presents a more economical and sustainable alternative to current military transport helicopters.
Dave Holmes, managing director of FalconWorks at BAE Systems Air, remarked on the changing landscape of conflict and defense. “The defense sector is evolving, leaning into sustainable power, innovative materials, and processes that prioritize sustainability from inception,” he said.
Tom Grundy, the visionary CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “This partnership with BAE Systems, a titan in the UK’s defense sector, propels the Airlander project into its next pivotal phase. We’re on the cusp of commencing production for the Airlander 10, and the momentum is palpable,” Grundy noted.
As the world watches, the collaboration between BAE and HAV promises to usher in an era where the skies are graced by the majestic presence of airships once more. Only this time, they’re equipped with cutting-edge technology and a vision for a sustainable future.