UK company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) says its plans are well underway for greener but slower commercial air travel.
The Airlander – which is 300 feet (91 meters) long – is lifted by its gigantic helium-filled hull, which is then steered through the air by engine propellers powered by conventional fuel.
The dirigible is “unlike any other aircraft cabin you’ve sat in”, HAV chief executive Tom Grundy told AFP on a visit to the Bedford facility.
“It’s big, it’s long, it’s spacious (and) it’s very quiet to sit on board.
“There’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and the aircraft’s unpressurised, so you can even open a window and look at the outside world as you’re going over it.”
The airship, initially developed for the US army, is longer than the Airbus A380 jumbo yet pumps out up to 75 percent less emissions than aircraft, according to HAV.
The group plans to start production later this year, while electric- and hydrogen-powered versions are planned in order to further slash emissions.
HAV has already manufactured a prototype, part of which is now on display in Bedford after completing test flights.
The tech hub also features a life-size model of the future airship that allows visitors to step on board and view its “luxury” configuration including a bar, passenger cabins and an observation lounge.
