Adventure & Wildlife Magazine - Vol 1|Issue 5-6| Nov 16 - Jan 17 Vol 1|Issue 5-6| Nov 16 - Jan 17 | Page 51

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE
AIRLANDER 10
The largest aircraft currently flying uses innovative technology to combine the best characteristics
of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters with lighter-than-air technology to create a new breed of
hyper-efficient aircraft. It can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over
2 weeks unmanned. It will fulfill a wide range of communication, cargo carrying and survey roles
in both the military and commercial sectors all with a significantly lower carbon footprint than
other forms of air transport.
H
ybrid Air Vehicles formed in 2007, a privately
held British owned company and World leaders
in LTA (Lighter-Than-Air) and hybrid technology. The
company is into design and manufacture of the world’s
most innovative, practical and commercially useful
hybrid aircraft – the Airlander is the continuation of 40
years of innovation and investment in lighter-than-air
design, and can boast of numerous “firsts” in its history.
port that offers major improvements in safety, operating
costs, environmental impact and operational flexibility.
The result is the Airlander – the world’s largest aircraft
and a revolution in aviation capability.
Airlander 10 is underpinned by the company’s numerous
patents vested worldwide. From the latest materials
technology, to the aerodynamic effects of its shape, it is
More recently, the team at Hybrid Air Vehicles has full of innovation. There is no internal structure in the
re-examined the basic principles behind lighter-than-air Airlander – it maintains its shape due to the pressure
science and applied modern technology and materials to stabilisation of the helium inside the hull, and the
smart and strong Vectran material it is made of. Carbon
create new capabilities and efficiencies.
composites are used throughout the aircraft for strength
Hybrid Air Vehicles has created a new mode of air trans- and weight savings.
Vol 1|Issue 5-6|Nov 16 - Jan 17
51