A UK-based aircraft company has proposed Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), for pollution-free air travel. HAV is a sustainable air vehicle whose manufacturing will begin this year. The aircraft would be addressed as “Airlander” and its first commercial flight is said to be in 2026.
The company’s website states, “Sustainability is a global imperative. Airlander is by its nature good at being green. It creates efficiency through technology. But we can, and will, do more.” The aircraft company claims to be the future of zero-carbon aviation.
At the moment the air vehicle is still a prototype, there are two models, Airlander 10 and Airlander 50. The company claims that Airlander can travel at a speed of 130 kph carrying 100 passengers at a time. The aircraft will emit 75 percent fewer greenhouse gases than its counterparts.
The Airlander is believed to be have great prowess. By using the aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust, the air vehicle uses gases lighter than air to keep itself floating in the air like an airship.
The company’s website also said, “using the buoyant lift of helium reduces the fuel burn required just to keep the aircraft airborne- most of the airframe’s weight is countered by the helium’s buoyancy. In its current configuration, Airlander 10 produces approximately 75% fewer emissions than comparable aircraft in similar roles.”
Though Airlander 10 collapsed to the ground less than 24 hours after a successful flight. The company plans to shift to full EV in the 2030 models. It is not just an attempt but a hope to achieve sustainable air travel in the future.
