Hybrid Air Vehicles has announced a new design for a hybrid airship that could revolutionize transportation between cities and reduce CO2 emissions.
According to Hybrid Air Vehicles, the vehicle named Airlander 10, which partially resembles an airship, is well-suited for journeys between cities such as Liverpool – Belfast (UK), Barcelona – Palma (Spain), or Seattle – Vancouver (Canada).
Design of the Airlander 10. (Photo: Hybrid Air Vehicles).
Journeys on the hybrid airship may take slightly longer than conventional planes. For example, the flight from Liverpool to Belfast over the Irish Sea takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes, including ticket checks and security, while traveling by Airlander 10 takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes. However, the vehicle emits only 4.75 kg of CO2 per passenger compared to 67.75 kg of CO2 when flying on a traditional aircraft.
Hybrid Air Vehicles states that the standard Airlander 10 model can complete the same journey with 75% less emissions than traditional aircraft. They hope to introduce a hybrid electric version that will reduce emissions by 90% by 2025 and a fully electric version with zero emissions by 2030.
Approximately 2.4% of global CO2 emissions come from fossil fuel use in the aviation industry, with contrails from aircraft contributing 5% to global warming. In addition to environmental protection efforts, Hybrid Air Vehicles also aims to provide a more comfortable experience for passengers by improving seating and minimum legroom.
Hybrid Air Vehicles has conducted test flights of the large-scale prototype of the Airlander 10. The company has invested $150 million in developing the Airlander 10 and its accompanying technology. They have received funding from both Europe and the UK, as well as investment support from the U.S. Department of Defense.
