The potential of using the Airlander 10, by Hybrid Air Vehicle (HAV), which is a part-plane-part-airship is being explored, as reported by BBC.
(Photo : JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A worker walks past the Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship ahead of its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London.
The aircraft is being explored to be used in a new project that will fly on Scottish lifeline routes. Previously, HAV has carried test flights in England via a prototype. Now, a Bedfords-based HAV is designing an all-electric variant of the Airlander.
According to the company, the aircraft would be a zero-carbon emissions aircraft and will be scheduled to be operational by the end of the 2020s. The aircraft can carry 100 passengers or ten tonnes of freight.
A Three-Month Study
There is a three-month study that will be supported by several organizations, such as Highlands and Islands Airport (HIAL), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, and more. According to HAV, the project will try to understand how Airlander 10 can support sustainable mobility in the Highlands and Islands. It will also help them improve connectivity for communities across the region.
The lifeline routes are island communities that are subsidized by the Scottish government or local authorities. The study will be a part of the Scottish government-owned airports company's efforts to meet net-zero carbon targets.
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Green, Short-Haul Flights
If the study is successful, the aircraft can be an alternative to road and ferry travel. The lifeline routes are the backbone of sustainable transport in the region. It helps thousands of people travel to work, education, health and shopping. Now, there is a focus on green enterprise in the Highlands and Islands.
The flights can be green, short-haul flights that would carry passengers, freight, and small vehicles. HAV said that the concept of an aircraft like this is not alien.
According to the company, the Airlander 10 can be used to help mitigate the effect of climate change and improve the quality of life of the area.
Sustainable Mobility
The company said that sustainable mobility is a vital component of Scotland's transport sector. It helps the country to meet the net-zero carbon targets. At the same time, it also helps the industry to work with other companies to improve the connectivity of the Highlands and Islands. HAV also said that sustainable mobility is a 'cornerstone' of the vision of the Scottish government-owned airports company. It will also help them meet the goals of the region and the country.
If the project is successful, it can be a game-changer for the lifeline routes. Other similar technologies are being developed for the same use. Such technologies, if successful, can help more people and reduce traffic congestion. At the same time, it can also help the government to achieve their environment change and climate change goals.
Related Article: Airlander 10: World's Largest Aircraft Crash-Lands During Test Flight
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Written by April Fowell
