A sustainable, capable, flexible and economical aircraft. This is how the English company Hybrid Air Vehicles defines its latest creation: the Airlander 10.
With the ability to reach a maximum altitude of 6.000 meters (20.000 feet) and the ability to stay aloft for five days straight, it could be a new string to the bow of civil, commercial and (possibly) military aviation. It could take travelers to some of the wildest places on Earth, or deliver equipment to remote mining operations and communities, or to disaster-stricken areas.
Airlander 10: helium aviation revised and (I hope) corrected
Airlander 10 is, strictly speaking, a hybrid aircraft, powered largely by helium and its buoyancy properties. Using helium also reduces fuel consumption, making it much better for the environment. In short, it is an aviation "manifesto" that combines electric and fuel engines: and already so, boasts a reduction of up to 75% in carbon emissions compared to traditional modes of air travel, with the aim of bringing it to 100% by 2030.
The aircraft uses four engines, but two are stopped during flight, resulting in reduced noise and fuel consumption. But don't worry, obviously the plane is capable of landing with two of the four.
Comfortable and stylish: an airship that made it. Or that he will make it.
Airlander 10 isn't just beautiful on the outside: a recent announcement reveals the comfortable cabin design. It's an airy, comfortable 100-seat space with plush seating and offers a joyful amount of legroom and luxurious floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view from – no more cramped corridors and tiny cabin windows. Luxury aviation.
“On Airlander, the whole experience is enjoyable, even fun,” he says George Land, director of commercial business development, in the announcement. “And in hybrid electric and future all-electric configurations, Airlander is well suited to our decarbonized aviation future.”
When do you start?
We are not far away: two years ago (pre-Covid era) it was all planned for 2024. I told you about it here. Some obvious delays postponed the launch, but only slightly. The company has already planned routes to tour the cities for 2025. Early journeys include flight experiences from Liverpool to Belfast in five hours and 20 minutes, from Oslo to Stockholm in six and a half hours, and from Seattle to Vancouver in just over four hours.
More than aviation, I would say flying cruise. What are you doing? Are you coming on board? The Hindenburg seems far away.
