HAV’s Airlander 10 electrification project secures COVID-19 Continuity Grant

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Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), developer of the Airlander 10 airship, has secured an Innovate UK COVID-19 Continuity Grant to safeguard its Project E-HAV1 programme through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched in April 2019, together with Collins Aerospace and University of Nottingham, Project E-HAV1, involves the development of a full-size prototype 500kW electric propulsor for ground testing. This technology will then replace Airlander’s fuel-burning forward engines as the first step to an all-electric Airlander by 2030.

The development of this propulsor forms a key part in the electrification journey for the Airlander 10. HAV says that with four fuel-burning engines, Airlander 10 produces 75% fewer emissions than other aircraft in comparable roles. Replacing the two front engines with electric motors will further reduce emissions – the hybrid-electric Airlander 10 will produce 90% fewer emissions from 2025.

Project E-HAV1 addresses key goals of the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy: strengthening the UK’s aerospace capabilities, positioning the UK for developing future generations of civil aircraft, and advancing a new generation of efficient propulsion technologies.

“The need to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment has never been clearer,” said CEO Tom Grundy. “E-HAV1 is central to our vision of making zero-emissions aviation at scale possible, quickly. We’re delighted to continue with that important work with this additional support to the programme from Innovate UK.”

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Izzy has been part of the Business Jet Interiors International team since its second issue, and the editor since 2011. She also edits Auditoria and Railway Interiors International. Outside of work, Izzy is rediscovering her love of art by learning how to paint with watercolors.

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