The Airlander airship from Hybrid Air Vehicles makes low-emission private flights to intrepid locations a possibility. Rose Dykins reports
Committed to being part of a future “zero carbon aviation industry,” Hybrid Air Vehicles’ (HAV) Airlander aircraft promises to add a new, luxurious dimension to sightseeing flights.
It is part of HAV’s vision for humanity to travel “further, to more places, with less impact,” while offering an exciting way for groups of luxury travellers to experience remote corners of the world.
The Airlander achieves its lift through a combination of aerodynamics (as with a plane), lifting gases (like an airship) and vector thrust (similar to a helicopter).
When travelling at low speed or close the ground, or landing or taking off, engine power is used, and HAV is currently working on developing an electric engine for the aircraft.
Airlander can take off and land on almost any flat surface. As it needs minimal supporting infrastructure, Airlander can operate in remote locations, so it can access intrepid places that jets, helicopters and yachts cannot. It also means the vehicle’s environmental impact is greatly reduced.
So far, HAV has flown a full-scale of its Airliner 10 aircraft, and it is now ready to enter operation, with the capacity to carry 90 passengers at once for group excursions or private events such as dinner in the sky.
Thanks to its hybrid approach to achieving lift, the aircraft burns significantly less fuel than comparable planes and helicopters. It’s also cheaper and more efficient to maintain, and quieter while in flight.
The Airlander 10 model can be configured to suit different needs for hosting and entertaining – with the option to have an onboard bar, lounge area and accommodation.
“We see Airlander technology as a way of connecting unconnected things,” reads HAV’s website.
“That may be people to places, bringing travellers to some of the wildest places on Earth. It may be delivering equipment to remote mining operations and communities, or disaster-affected areas. It may be linking data from sensors in the air to the human decision makers on the ground.”
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