Cargo airships to work in the Arctic

Flying Whales is partnering with Canadian North to create a cargo airship for Arctic operations

The Government of Canada has signed a memorandum of understanding with Flying Whales to explore the possibilities of cargo airships capable of operating in northern Canada and the high Arctic.

Flying Whales is developing a 200-meter vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airship for the heavy cargo market. The LCA60T project will be subject to approval by Transport Canada and is not likely to be completed until at least 2025.

Although Canadian North has not invested any money in Flying Whales, the airline will voluntarily provide all the information they have gained from their 77 years of experience in northern Canada and the Arctic. Canadian North President and CEO Michael Rodinyuk says that airships can “significantly reduce the cost” of goods in the North.

“The airship that Flying Whales is developing is the best and most advanced airship for our Canadian operations,” he added.

Flying Whales plans to build its airships for the transportation of oversized cargo weighing up to 60 tons. The LCA60T will initially be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system and then become fully electric. The energy to lift the aircraft will be generated by 10 unpressurized helium cells.