A new fleet of airships will hit the skies by 2028, with UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) revealing plans for a major new manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire.
The production centre in Doncaster is where the Airlander 10, described by HAV as the world’s “most efficient large aircraft”, will be developed (subject to planning permission). HAV will have the capability to produce up to 24 of the aircraft per year.
Ed Miliband, the MP for Doncaster North, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. This new production site will create over 1,200 much-needed highly-skilled jobs… as well as bring green air travel a step closer.”
Despite appearances, the Airlander 10 is not a traditional airship but rather a “hybrid aircraft” reliant on buoyant lift from helium, aerodynamic lift from its shape, and vectoring engine power for take-off and landing.
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