The markets HAV Ireland serves 10

The Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) Ireland 10 program has had a busy summer. With the airship at an accelerated pace, Light Flight took the opportunity to speak with George Land, HAV’s director of commercial business development, about the vehicle’s anticipated market.

Stand out

Action taken by the HAV Airlander 10 project was demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow in June. In particular, Air Nostrum has become a launch customer with 10 aircraft units. That same week, Collins Aerospace reportedly produced a prototype electric motor for the ship’s 500 kilowatts of electric power.

New electric aviation programs were plentiful at the air show. However, visually and logistically, Ireland 10 maintains a distinct presence in the market. None of the growing projects look like the plane, and none of them work in the same way.

The ship was built in the United Kingdom in She started flying as HAV 304 in 2012 but has remained a prototype ever since. The fate of the Erland 10 airship is about to change as it aims to become the world’s first zero-emission aircraft. In the year It will transition to a hybrid in early 2026 with the rear motors powered by Collins 500kW units when the 2030s roll in. However, even the base model that runs on kerosene, emissions are 80-90% lower than a similar sized aircraft.

Ireland Program Timeline. Photo: Hybrid Air Vehicles

Regional efficiency

With aircraft like the Air Nostrum, we can expect to see the aircraft making waves on the regional scene in the coming years. Air Nostrum currently maintains a fleet of CRJ narrowbodies and ATR-72 turboprops. HAV demonstrates that the aircraft is designed to provide a sustainable solution and open up new transport networks, offering its customers rapid growth options. With many European countries decarbonising short-haul air travel, HAV sees an opportunity for Ireland’s 10 aircraft.

Efficiency is key to the business model. Ireland’s helium-filled hull will generate lift to enable service with minimal infrastructure and unlock more power. What’s more, the customizable loading module offers plenty of cargo and passenger capacity, increasing flexibility. When operational, the type will be able to reach a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet (6,096 m) with lift powered by a helium-filled hull and hybrid electric motor.

The Airlander 10 is a multi-role aircraft by nature. It has many different applications, but the overall approach for all markets is to create a civil-certified platform suitable for passenger transport operations. The company emphasized that the customers can adjust the aircraft cabin according to any role. While the prototype is more of a military aircraft, the aircraft is a commercial unit that can be adapted for military purposes.

Luxury travel

There are three main markets in the field of business. Air Nostrum’s interest is one example of the sector – regional passenger service. Meanwhile, the construction of the aircraft is a natural fit for another market – cargo.

The third market is very special – luxury tourism. This initiative sees the aircraft being used as a small cruise ship in the sky.

The cabin is spacious enough that 16 people can live on board. The rear of the cabin has bedrooms, and the front has a living and dining area. The aircraft can take off from any unprepared flat surface, including water, and has a range of 2,000 nautical miles. So if you think about those features – a big cabin where you can do what you love, the ability to land flat anywhere and the ability to go a long way – it gives you a really flexible platform. Perhaps starting from the coast of a holiday resort and taking guests inland to see natural or archeological sites that are hard to reach with other platforms, do a form of tourism. However, be in the comfort of a room with huge windows that allow you to do so.

The plane travels at a relatively slow speed and the passenger slows down if he wants to see something. Therefore, it provides a suitable viewing platform for those on board.

“You have some of the features of a helicopter, but more comfort, longer range and a lot more space. We have people who want to fly in the polar regions, people who want to fly in the Arabian desert, people who want to fly in the Amazon River. All parts of the world and all climates can use the basic concept of a luxury cabin that you can live on board, so there is no geographical limitation. We have some similar variations that are just for daily use. So, you know, if you want to take a group of people on a day cruise in comfort and luxury, we can put a lot of seats and still have a high level of comfort. You have a tremendous amount of versatility in what you can do with the plane.

A lot of potential

The initial interest in the Airlander 10 program was in the luxury travel market. However, HAV began to identify opportunities by region and cargo space, particularly with the required sustainable benefits. Regardless of the application, an airship has a unique role to play in the aviation spectrum.

What are your thoughts on the Hybrid Air Vehicle with Ireland 10 programme? What do you do about the overall plans of the company? Let us know your thoughts about the company and its activities in the comment section.