The Heavy Lift Airship (HLA) represents a revolutionary new transportation system with far-reaching applications in the global market. At present there are several concepts for HLAs, mostly based on the hybrid principle of combining aerostatic lift - derived from the buoyancy of helium gas -and aerodynamic lift, ie an airship shaped as a lifting body or with external wings. These are sometimes referred to as 'hybrids'.

The advantages of such a system in comparison with conventional aircraft is increased payload plus the ability to land on unprepared open spaces or on water. The result is a lower cost transport system that can reach previously inaccessible locations. They also have the potential to transport large loads, possibly 200 tones or even 1000 tonnes is envisioned. And move large engineering loads or pieces of equipment direct from the manufacturer to their final location, all without the need of constructing expensive airfields or disrupting other forms of transport.

Applications include cargo transportation, military, tourism, advertising and humanitarian aid. One key market is in the mining and construction industry and considerable interest is coming from northern Canada where the mining companies are dependant on ice roads and conventional aircraft. Because of climate change the ice roads are under threat and are operational for increasingly shorter periods each year. Conventional road building is too expensive to be an option. Because an airship can land on any terrain it also opens the opportunity for the mining companies to establish new mines in areas which were previously inaccessible by other means.
A viable Heavy Lift Airship could be flying by 2010/2011. Contact us now.