Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has revealed the design of the production Airlander 10 as it as approaches the launch of the production and type certification programme. The company is in ongoing negotiations with commercial customers.
HAV reports that the updated aircraft has a fuel-saving, lower-drag shape; enhanced landing gear; wider, longer cabin for passengers, cargo and equipment; and many other refinements. These features are intended to provide the flexibility needed to deliver the unique experiences the commercial market is keen to offer to its customers.
“Unveiling the aircraft that our first commercial customers will receive is an exciting moment and an important milestone on our path to type certification,” said Tom Grundy, HAV’s CEO.
The company says the aircraft will produce 75% fewer emissions than comparable aircraft. HAV is working on the development of the electric propulsion with Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham in the UK.
HAV is currently in contract negotiations for the first four production slots, based on signed letters of intent for more than 10 aircraft with organisations in the tourism and clean technology sectors. “Our current negotiations are the result of the strong interest in providing unique, responsible travel experiences that we’ve been seeing in the commercial sector,” said Grundy.
HAV is also working to secure the investment required to establish a new, purpose-built production facility.
