Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10

Lore & Background

The HAV 304 was originally built for the US Army's LEMV programme, intended to demonstrate a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle for ISTAR support. Its maiden flight took place in 2012 at Lakehurst, New Jersey. In 2013, the LEMV project was cancelled by the US Army. HAV reacquired the airship and brought it back to Cardington Airfield in England, where it was reassembled and modified for civilian use, redesignated the Airlander 10. The modified aircraft completed design certification testing before being written off when it came loose from its moorings in a high wind on 18 November 2017 at Cardington Airfield. Production has been pushed back multiple times, with deliveries currently mooted for 2028.

The design comprises a helium airship with auxiliary wing and tail surfaces, flying using both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift. It is powered by four diesel engine-driven ducted propellers. The Airlander 10 is capable of staying aloft for five days while crewed, and over two weeks while unmanned. It is designed primarily for civilian use but can be fitted for a wide variety of defence roles. The airship is controlled by a side-stick, with fly-by-optics connecting propulsion units and flying surfaces to the flight control system.

Reader's Guide

The Airlander 10's significance lies in its hybrid design, which combines aerostatic lift from helium with aerodynamic lift from its lifting-body hull, allowing it to generate up to half its lift in forward motion. Originally developed for the US Army's LEMV programme, it was intended to provide long-endurance ISTAR support, with requirements including operation at 6 km altitude, a 3,000 km radius of action, and 21-day on-station availability. After the programme's cancellation, HAV repurposed the airship for civilian roles, including surveillance, communications relay, disaster relief, and passenger services. Its legacy includes being written off in a 2017 mooring incident and facing repeated production delays, with deliveries now expected in 2028. The type demonstrates the potential for hybrid airships to serve both military and civilian markets, though its operational history has been limited.

Did You Know?

• The Airlander 10 was originally developed as the HAV 304 for the US Army's LEMV programme.
• The airship was written off on 18 November 2017 when it came loose from its moorings in a high wind at Cardington Airfield.