Hybrid Airships - the Cargo Plane of the Future?

Airships have always been one of my fascinations. During WWII they played a key role in submarine warfare. Despite the tragic crash of the Hindenburg which was the result of hydrogen being used instead of helium, there is still great interest in finding ways to use these unique aircraft in a variety of ways.

A recent Outer Places article highlights the Airlander 10, currently the largest aircraft in the world. Designed and built by the British company Hybrid Air Vehicles, variations of the Airlander 10 were originally tested in military operations. When the US Army cancelled the project, the Airlander 10 evolved with commercial opportunities in mind, mainly air cargo. Apparently there are a great many locations in the world where conventional cargo planes cannot land, or when disasters make conventional runways inoperable.

The Airlander 10 has an unusual shape compared to the Goodyear blimps were are accustomed to seeing. Rather than a circular cross section it has an elliptical one, which aids in lift and stability. It's projected payload is 7 to 15 tons, which is significant for places where currently only small planes can land. Watching the video of an Airlander 10 land is so captivating, moving in slow motion with only a low whir of the engines guiding it to a soft landing. Somehow I have to believe that a design to carry people is also in the works.  What an adventure that would be. - Dr. Tom

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