2025 target for hybrid-electric Airlander 10 that could cut flight emissions by 90%

Hybrid Air Vehicles has set itself a five-year target to deliver a hybrid-electric airship, which could offer a 90% emissions reduction on other aircraft.

The base configuration of the Airlander 10, which Hybrid hopes could revolutionise luxury travel and logistics applications, has four combustion engines. The British company says it could have 75% lower emissions than “comparable” aircraft in a wide range of roles.  

Now the company is developing electric engines for a hybrid model, which could cut emissions even further. The aircraft could transport up to 90 passengers over a maximum all-electric range of 350km, with a “significantly” longer range in hybrid-electric mode.

During all-electric operation, Airlander 10 will cruise at 50 knots (93km/h). Top speed in hybrid-electric mode will be 70 knots (130km/h). On an example route such as Liverpool to Newcastle, approximately 200km, 90 passengers could get there in two hours.

“Having flown a prototype Airlander that had emissions up to 75% lower than other large aircraft, we set out our vision for Airlander to be the future of zero-carbon aviation,” said Hybrid CEO Tom Grundy.

“Today, it is no longer necessary to explain to people why decarbonising aviation is important. We believe that our ability to offer our customers ultra-low emissions aircraft in standard and hybrid-electric configurations by 2025 is a very strong statement of our commitment and a major step to achieving this goal.”

Technical director Mike Durham said: “Our technology and engineering team is ready to deliver a hybrid-electric configuration for Airlander 10 within the next five years.”

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