Hybrid airship could offer new way of air travel for Western Isles
2 November 2023
A new study suggests an aircraft described as a cross between an airship and a plane could be used to transport large amounts of freight in the Highlands and Islands.
The Airlander is longer than a 747, and the height of six-
Assessments for six airports -
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) says its Airlander 10 would deliver cost-
The company believes the aircraft which typically uses less than 25% the energy of other aircraft and produces 90% fewer CO2 emissions could operate successfully from a range of airports, small island airfields and bodies of sheltered water.
Airlander burns much less fuel in flight than conventional aircraft. The buoyant lift of helium offsets the weight of the aircraft, therefore requiring much less thrust to generate lift.
Typically it uses less than 25% the energy of other aircraft and produces 90% fewer CO2 emissions;
Plans are afoot to use electric engines and green hydrogen fuel cells to power the aircraft in the future.
Airlander 10 could carry up to 10 tonnes of weight or 100 passengers to small airfields with low-
The total cost of modifying the six airfields surveyed was less than £2 million.
The Airlander could provide 79% more air freight capacity compared with 2021, an increase of 43,800 tonnes said the report.
Tom Grundy, chief executive of HAV, said: “Airlander has the potential to revolutionise life in the Highlands and Islands, by offering cost-
“We are thrilled with the results of the study, which confirm the important role Airlander can play, and our partnership with the wider consortium. We look forward to taking further steps toward offering ultra-
The firm propose setting up a production factory in South Yorkshire and hope to have aircraft flying with commercial airlines from 2027.
