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The production programme will be based at Carcroft Common in Doncaster, Bedford firm HAV announced today (25 March).
Originally designed for military intelligence and surveillance, the Airlander 10 is now aimed at low-emission passenger aviation. The low-speed aircraft gets lift from a combination of buoyancy, aerodynamics and vectored thrust, maximising efficiency.
The helium-filled vehicles will carry up to 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of payload, HAV said. The company already has an orderbook of more than £1bn, with the first aircraft set to enter service from 2028 with Air Nostrum Group, the launch airline customer.
Subject to planning approval, HAV will develop new facilities for production, testing and certification. The site will house assembly lines for Airlander’s composite-based airframe, propulsion systems, and electrical and avionics systems.
The hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in South Yorkshire will create more than 1,200 new jobs, HAV said. The company will work closely with regional partners such as the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “Airlander 10 will transform what’s possible for sustainable air travel, and Carcroft Common will deliver the flagship production centre we need to do that, creating over 1,200 jobs and a £1bn per annum export.”
Steve Foxley, CEO of the University of Sheffield AMRC, said: "The AMRC has worked closely with Hybrid Air Vehicles since 2021 on research linked to its Airlander 10 programme, bringing together our expertise on low emissions propulsion, large composite structures and supporting manufacturing technologies.
“To have Hybrid Air Vehicles putting its production footprint in South Yorkshire is a real boost to the region’s capability and reputation, helping to grow our green manufacturing cluster, and building on the research and development that is being led by the wider University of Sheffield into sustainable air travel, energy, and how we transition to a low-carbon economy.”
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