Airships had ushered in a period of the first era in the early days of aviation, but they withdrew from the stage of history after the two great disasters of the Hindenburg and the British R101 experimental airship in 1937, causing public panic. However, commercial airships are making a comeback in recent years, and the need to seek solutions to climate change and meet carbon goals has driven the construction of a new generation of airships around the world. These airships are safer and faster, marking a re-emergence of airships in the aviation market.
1. The rise of a new generation of commercial airshipsIn recent years, a number of airship companies have emerged around the world, committed to building a safer and more environmentally friendly new generation of airships. The French company "Flying Whale", which specializes in the technology of rigid airships for heavy transport, plans to build a production plant in the United Arab Emirates. The UK-based company Hybrid Air Vehicles has developed the AirLander airship for short-haul business and luxury trips, with operations scheduled to begin in 2026. In addition, Google co-founder Sergey Brin invested in the company "Pathfinder", which plans to build large rigid-frame airships.
2. Characteristics of the French Flying Whale and the British AirLander The transport airship LCA60T of the French Flying Whale Company, with a length of 200 meters and a diameter of 50 meters, can carry 60 tons of heavy cargo, including wind blades, high-pressure towers, industrial parts, mobile hospitals, etc. Production at the plant in the UAE is expected to begin in 2027. The AirLander 10, the world's largest aircraft with a length of 92 meters, has a unique shape and significant emission reduction effect, and has been ordered by Spanish airline Air Nostrum for 10 aircraft, which are expected to be delivered in 2026.
3. Google co-founder's "Pathfinder" program Google co-founder Sergey Brin's lighter-than-air research company plans to build a large rigid-frame airship called "Pathfinder". This airship has a special design, the shell is made of laminated material, equipped with electric propellers and a 150 kW diesel generator, has a top speed of about 120 kilometers per hour, can accommodate up to 14 passengers, and is environmentally friendly and efficient.
Fourth, in addition to France, the United Kingdom and the United States, other countries are also actively exploring the application of a new generation of airships. Sweden's Oceansky Cruises plans to create a flying luxury hotel with large panoramic windows, offering Arctic expeditions and airship cruises in southern Africa. South Africa's Cloudline has launched mini airships, filled with helium and equipped with solar panels, to replace *** and drones, increasing payload capacity.
5. The new breakthrough of the domestic airship AS700 The AS700 civil manned airship developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China will obtain the type certificate in 2023 and become a manned airship with independent property rights in China. The AS700 adopts a new soft quasi-balanced airship model, which can achieve short-distance, low-carbon vertical take-off and landing, and is suitable for aerial sightseeing, emergency rescue, urban security and other fields.
6. Prospects and challenges of new airships The rise of a new generation of commercial airships has brought new possibilities to the aviation market, especially in terms of carbon emissions and environmental protection. However, airships face challenges such as safety, weather sensitivity, and market competition. Compared to traditional flying machines, airships take time to prove their foothold in the market.
Overall, there is a good momentum for a new generation of commercial airships around the world, with different countries and companies working towards greener and safer airships through innovative technologies and designs. This provides new ideas and possibilities for the future development of the aviation industry.