Flying Whales & Circor Industria seal crucial industrial partnerships.

Flying Whales and CIRCOR Industria Forge Milestone Partnership for Airship Innovation

Paris, France – February 28, 2023

In a groundbreaking collaboration set to redefine the future of airship technology, Flying Whales, a French aeronautical company, has officially joined forces with CIRCOR Industria. The partnership is aimed at developing and producing critical helium valves for Flying Whales’ revolutionary LCA60T airship, marking a significant advancement in the realm of aeronautics.

Helium Valve Precision for LCA60T: Elevating Control and Safety

The focal point of this collaboration lies in the meticulous development and integration of helium valves, essential for the controlled release of helium during the LCA60T airship’s operations. A total of 28 specialized valves will be integrated into the airship’s helium cells, ensuring precise control and safety during various operational scenarios.

The collaborative effort between Flying Whales and CIRCOR Industria spans over a year, with a co-engineering phase in 2021 dedicated to precise specification and alignment of the pivotal helium management component within the airship. This meticulous approach aims to guarantee optimal functionality and performance, setting new standards in airship technology.

The strategic partnership reached a significant milestone with the official signing of the contract in February 2023, solidifying the commitment of both companies to revolutionize the airship industry.

Integrated Fuel System: CIRCOR Industria’s Comprehensive Solution

In addition to the development of helium valves, CIRCOR Industria has been entrusted with providing a comprehensive integrated fuel distribution, storage, control, monitoring, and gauging system for the LCA60T’s turbine generators. This integrated system not only enhances the airship’s performance but also aligns with industry efforts towards sustainability by being compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Collaborative discussions for the fuel management system began in August 2021, and after extensive dialogue and assessments, the contract was signed in September 2023. Frédéric GREHAL, VP and General Manager at CIRCOR Industria, expressed pride and enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are really proud to be given the opportunity to be on board of such a disruptive project whose development represents a major step for us. All our employees are excited about it, and we have full support from our corporate.”

Revolutionizing Airship Technology: Flying Whales’ Vision

Flying Whales, headquartered in Suresnes, France, has been a trailblazer in airship innovation since its inception in 2012. The LCA60T airship, designed for heavy-load transport with a carrying capacity of 60 tons, is set to revolutionize logistics by providing innovative solutions to numerous landlocked problems worldwide.

Benoit Beaubier, Program Director at Flying Whales, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to seal this partnership with a major aeronautical industrial player. The proactivity of CIRCOR’s teams was decisive in our choice. For example, the creation of a scale model of the valve allowed us to anticipate the problems related to the size and optimization of the equipment.”

About Flying Whales: Pioneering Airship Innovation

Founded in 2012, Flying Whales, headquartered in Suresnes, France, is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for heavy-load transport. The LCA60T rigid airship, at the core of their ambitious program, aims to address logistical challenges globally with its unique hovering loading and unloading characteristics, offering low-cost and environmentally friendly solutions.

For more information about Flying Whales, please visit Flying Whales.

About CIRCOR Industria: Mission-Critical Expertise

CIRCOR Industria, a subsidiary of CIRCOR International Inc, is located near Paris, France, and boasts over 70 years of experience supplying mission-critical flow control products for the Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets. The company has been a longstanding supplier for various aerospace programs, including Airbus production aircraft.

For more information about CIRCOR Industria, please visit CIRCOR Industria.