The British aerospace firm behind one of the world’s biggest aircraft is working on a new, even bigger project: the Airlander 50. Bedford-headquartered Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), a specialist in low-carbon aviation solutions, claims its latest vehicle will be “the future of heavy lift freight transport.”
Trajectory of the Airlander series
The Airlander series first attracted attention in 2016 with the Airlander 10. Affectionately nicknamed the “Flying Bum” due to its curvy shape, the prototype made six test flights at its Cardington Airfield base, showing off its cylindrical airship forms, non-rigid inflatable hull technology and helium-powered lift.
Although one of the trial flights gently nose-dived into the ground after a rope caught on a telegraph pole, the mishap did not prevent the concept winning millions in investment from private and public capital, including South Yorkshire authorities, research funding from the US Department of Defense (DOD) and, by 2024, a £1.4 billion block of reservations.
After going into production phase with the Airlander 10, HAV is now developing the Airlander 50, an aircraft five times the size its of predecessor, boasting a 50-tonne payload, enough room in its 30-metre cabin for six shipping containers and a capacity of up to 200 passengers. Carrying its maximum load, its range remains 2200 km.
Low vibration, land-anywhere, amphibious aircraft
When it comes to the flight experience, HAV says the air giant will offer the same “low-vibration, quiet” journey that the Airlander 10 provided, even at maximum payload. Intended to be fully amphibious and capable of taking off and landing on water and a variety of other surfaces, including ice, snow, marsh, sand and tarmac, the aircraft will be a “solution enabling efficient movement of heavy and awkward freight without damaging the environment,” the firm promises, noting its potential for a range of uses from heavy industry and mining, to humanitarian missions.
And as well as its freight potential, the Airlander series could be used for tourism and leisure in the future, HAV points out, thanks to its interior which is designed to be adaptable, offering up 90 “sightseeing” seats, or 40 covers for fine dining in the air, or even eight double rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
By 2033, when all its engines are converted to electric, customers will have a zero-emissions aircraft option at the ready, the firm says, with need to compromise on time, since the new generation Flying Bum is said to be capable of beating ferry, rail, and road journey times.
