29 February 2024
Hybrid Air Vehicles has begun the Type Certification process for its Airlander 10 airship with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Nicknamed the ‘Flying Bum’ by the national press when the Airlander 10 prototype was last flying back in 2016-17, Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) is also with the European (EASA) and US (FAA) authorities for concurrent certrification.
The Airlander 10 airship is a hybrid using its aerodynamic shape as well as its helium filling to achieve flight. A zero-emission version using electric motors is planned for 2030.
Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said, “Airlander makes new, sustainable aviation services possible at scale – it’s a large aircraft designed to deliver services from large global fleets. Alongside our production programme, applying for Type Certification is a key milestone in our journey towards this goal.
Mike Durham, Head of the Design Office, added, “As a Design Approved Organisation, we have an established relationship with the CAA and have implemented processes to achieve the safety-first standards that today’s aviation industry demands.
“We’ve also worked with regulators to establish a certification basis, which includes the safety criteria this type of aircraft needs to meet. Formally beginning the Type Certification process is a proud moment for myself and the entire Design Office.”
HAV says it has £1bn of current reserved orders for Airlander 10, and up to 24 aircraft a year from a new production line to be sited in South Yorkshire. Initial reservations include 20 aircraft for regional passenger mobility services for launch airline customer Air Nostrum Group, and aircraft destined for use in the tourism and travel sector.
Watch Hybrid Air Vehicle’s Head of Airworthiness Andrew Barber on the FLYER Livestream tonight at 7.30pm. Click below to watch.
