Airlander 10: Vehicle of the Future

When it comes to our individual carbon footprint, air travel is the emission-spewing Dumbo in the room. Flying less is the most impactful action you can take to bring down your CO2 quota. Although aviation currently accounts for only 2% of the global carbon footprint, its impact is taking off pretty fast. With the GHG emissions of the hydrocarbons-guzzling aircraft engines expected to increase more than 4 times by 2045, flying could reach 25% of the global carbon budget by 2050. So, what do we do? A UK company, Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), is launching a short-range airship service that will water down the carbon emissions of flight by 90%. By 2025, you may be able to hop onboard their Airlander 10 and get dropped off a couple of hundred miles away. Because of its shape, the Airlander 10 has been nicknamed “The flying buttocks” thankfully the only gas inside this is helium. Last May, HAV announced a number of routes that will be explored by their green flying machines in 2025. But you might be able to ride on one of HAV’s Airlander 10 even earlier. If you fancy an “experiential journey” to the North Pole, you can book your slot with OceanSky Cruises as soon as 2023. But it will cost you a bit of money. As for lower-cost travel, HAV is currently trying to strike a deal with some other airlines. HAV’s CEO said the company aims at covering 47% of regional flights with a distance up to 230 miles. HAV touts the airship market will reach a value of $50billon over the next 20 years. With a capacity of 100 passengers, the company claims their hybrid-electric dirigibles will take as long as conventional flights yet have a tenth of their carbon footprint. Flying at a top speed of only 130 mph, the airship doesn't need a runway and could take off from and land in pretty much any flat open area, including water. This city center-to-city center traveling mode makes these vehicles flexible and independent from airports thereby saving time on commute. Combining the helium buoyant effect, an aerodynamic lift and a helicopter-like thrust, HAV’s hybrid design is more efficient than comparable aircrafts. Leveraging the helium lift, the vehicle reduces the consumption of the fossil fuel-burning engine and could carry a higher payload. Also, the UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme awarded the company with a £1M grant to develop a prototype fully powered by a 500-kW electric motor. And they aren't stopping there because the Airlander 10 could feature battery and solar cell technology. More cargo, less carbon emissions, no infrastructure required. The only thing that can bring airships down is its operational cost which can be reduced by increasing the operational efficiency of the vehicle. Welcome to the vehicle of the future Airlander 10.