August 2021

TRANSPORTATION n UK-built all-electric airship could be world’s first zero-emission aircraft C ollins Aerospace has started to design and build a 500kW electric motor to replace the four fuel- burning engines that currently power Hybrid Air Vehicles’Airlander 10 helium- filled airship, which is designed to carry loads of up to 10 tonnes over distances of up to 7,400km at altitudes of up to 6km. Commercial operations are planned to start in 2025. Even with the initial fuel-burning engines, the UK-developed airship is expected to produce up to 75% less emissions than other aircraft in similar roles. Initially, HAV plans to introduce a hybrid electric drive system that will cut emissions by up to 90%, before going fully electric by 2030. Collins Aerospace – in partnership with HAV and the University of Nottingham – has won more than £1m of funding from the UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme to develop electric propulsion technologies, using Airlander 10 as the initial platform. The E-HAV1 project aims to deliver a full-sized prototype 500kW electric propulsor for ground testing and technologies ready for future commercialisation. Collins is designing and testing the motors at its Electronic Controls and Motor Systems Center of Excellence in Solihull, where it recently invested $18m to expand the facilities and to add power electronics and motor development capabilities. Flight qualification testing of the motors is expected to start in 2023, followed by hybrid- electric operation of the Airlander 10 by 2025. In the hybrid version, the aircraft’s two forward jet-fuel-burning engines will be replaced by the 500kW electric motors. The two rear engines are due to be replaced by 2030. Instead of conventional copper wiring for signals, the Airlander will use fibre optic cables that are resistant to electromagnetic interference and high-intensity radiation. The optical fibres are also much lighter than copper wires, helping to keep the weight of the aircraft down. They can also provide higher data transmission rates than copper cables allowing, for example, high-definition cameras to be fitted to the aircraft's hull. “Airlander 10 has the potential to be the world’s first zero-emission aircraft, while pioneering game-changing electric flight technologies in the process,”says Marc Holme, senior director, Electronic Controls and Motor Systems for Collins Aerospace.“As the aerospace industry continues to look for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, electric propulsion offers a significant solution that will create a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.” n The fuel-burning engines that power the current version of the Airlander 10 airship, will be replaced by electric drives to produce an emission-free craft @HydraulicEquip HydraulicEquipmentSupermarkets Group HES Sales T: 01452 730774 E: danfossteam@grouphes.com W: hes.grouphes.com Technical Experts, Distributing Excellence Product range includes: • Mobile electronics • Orbital motors • Piston pumps and motors • PVG proportional valves • Steering units UK Advanced Danfoss Partner Danfoss Power Solutions and Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets have a history spanning over 30 years and HES is proud to be an Official Distributor for Danfoss’ range of hydraulic components. • Full Technical Support • Huge Stock Levels • Nationwide Service • Best Prices • Quick Delivery