Photo: HAV
The UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles has teamed up with Dassault Systemes and TriMech to accelerate the process of bringing the one-of-a-kind Airlander 10 to the market, with production set to kick off this year.
This could turn out to be a pivotal year for Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), which is determined to begin production of its first aircraft platform in 2024. The long-awaited Airlander 10 might finally come to life with the help of two other experts in the industry – Dassault Systemes will provide its advanced 3DEXPERIENCE platform (a virtual twin software), and TriMech, an engineering and design solutions provider, will help implement it.
The initial Airlander 10 will help reduce emissions drastically thanks to its innovative hybrid design. The helium-filled hull burns less fuel to stay airborne. HAV claims its aircraft can operate with up to 75% fewer emissions than comparable conventional aircraft.
At the same time, this is a huge flying machine with an impressive capacity to begin with – and it's only the beginning. The Airlander 50 is envisioned as a 200-passenger aircraft that can sustain an impressive 2,200 km (1,367 miles) range at maximum payload. In the cargo configuration, it will be able to carry more than 50 tons.
The goal is to gradually progress toward hydrogen propulsion through fuel cell-powered electric motors, which will enable zero-emission flights. That will make the Airlander one of the biggest green aircraft of its kind. The Airlander uses proven technologies from both conventional airships and rotorcraft (including the more recent VTOL concepts) in combination with helium buoyant lift, which is supposed to make it more efficient than its conventional counterparts.
As unique as it sounds, this platform is also remarkably versatile. This huge flying contraption could just as easily support certain military operations as it would transport tourists to some of the most remote destinations, including the Arctic. Top-tier partners such as Dassault Systemes and BAE Systems will play a pivotal role in bringing this revolutionary concept to its highest potential.
Air Nostrum, the company's biggest customer so far, has doubled its initial pre-order for the Airlander 10 aircraft, which also confirms that HAV is on the right path. The aviation technology company is working on setting up an official production line in South Yorkshire, where it intends to start rolling out 12 units per year in the initial phase.
Even if production kicks off this year, we'll still have to wait a while until this helium-filled giant is ready to take to the sky. After the official launch, HAV will continue to develop its technology with the goal of zero-emission operations. A completely emission-free version of the Airlander 10 could be ready for commercial service by the end of the decade.
The initial Airlander 10 will help reduce emissions drastically thanks to its innovative hybrid design. The helium-filled hull burns less fuel to stay airborne. HAV claims its aircraft can operate with up to 75% fewer emissions than comparable conventional aircraft.
At the same time, this is a huge flying machine with an impressive capacity to begin with – and it's only the beginning. The Airlander 50 is envisioned as a 200-passenger aircraft that can sustain an impressive 2,200 km (1,367 miles) range at maximum payload. In the cargo configuration, it will be able to carry more than 50 tons.
The goal is to gradually progress toward hydrogen propulsion through fuel cell-powered electric motors, which will enable zero-emission flights. That will make the Airlander one of the biggest green aircraft of its kind. The Airlander uses proven technologies from both conventional airships and rotorcraft (including the more recent VTOL concepts) in combination with helium buoyant lift, which is supposed to make it more efficient than its conventional counterparts.
As unique as it sounds, this platform is also remarkably versatile. This huge flying contraption could just as easily support certain military operations as it would transport tourists to some of the most remote destinations, including the Arctic. Top-tier partners such as Dassault Systemes and BAE Systems will play a pivotal role in bringing this revolutionary concept to its highest potential.
Air Nostrum, the company's biggest customer so far, has doubled its initial pre-order for the Airlander 10 aircraft, which also confirms that HAV is on the right path. The aviation technology company is working on setting up an official production line in South Yorkshire, where it intends to start rolling out 12 units per year in the initial phase.
Even if production kicks off this year, we'll still have to wait a while until this helium-filled giant is ready to take to the sky. After the official launch, HAV will continue to develop its technology with the goal of zero-emission operations. A completely emission-free version of the Airlander 10 could be ready for commercial service by the end of the decade.
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