Engineering news
The Bedfordshire-based Airlander has been described as “a new breed of hyper-efficient aircraft” and is capable of staying airborne for weeks at a time. It will carry members of the public after creators Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) announced a deal with Henry Cookson Adventures.
The luxury travel brand will be the first to trial an “expeditionary” journey next year, ahead of wider anticipated use in the travel and adventure sector. HAV previously outlined plans for their low-carbon vehicle to enable lengthy surveillance or survey missions and heavy goods transport.
“I have flown Airlander a number of times now, and am really excited about the possibility of taking the first passengers on board,” said chief test pilot Dave Burns. “I can imagine the awe and excitement of seeing the world in luxury, with amazing views, quietly and whilst respecting the environment.”
The Airlander uses huge helium-filled hulls to become airborne but unlike the airships of old, it also takes advantage of an aerodynamic shape to increase lift efficiency. Diesel engines on the side and rear propel the aircraft, and HAV claims it can land on unprepared sites in deserts, ice, on water and open fields. The result is an efficient and sustainable vehicle with low costs, maintenance, emissions and noise, the company says.
After next year’s trial flight, Henry Cookson plans for trips to landscapes as varied as the North Pole, Bolivian salt pans and the Namib Desert.
In a separate deal, Innovate UK awarded £60,000 for design consultancy Design Q to design luxury cabin interiors for the Airlander.
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