BAE Systems and Hybrid Air Vehicles agree MOU

BAE Systems and Hybrid Air Vehicles agree MoU to explore the potential of the world leading ultra-low emissions aircraft, Airlander, in defence and security applications.

Target applications include airborne defence logistics and long-endurance airborne communications and surveillance with large payloads.

Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd, a UK based leader in sustainable aircraft technology, has today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and explore the potential of Airlander – an ultra-low emissions large aircraft – in security and defence applications, with BAE Systems’ FalconWorks advanced research & technology centre for the Air sector.
The MoU covers consideration of technical and programme collaboration opportunities and exploration of potential defence market opportunities for HAV platforms, as well as related supporting activity.

Hybrid Air Vehicles’ Airlander platforms provide an alternative sustainable and cost effective solution to air logistics and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, complementing today’s networks of air, space and surface systems.
Airlander is a highly efficient and ultra-low emissions aircraft that represents an opportunity to rethink the skies and open up new possibilities in modern defence. Airlander 10 has the potential to stay airborne for up to five days while fitted with many tonnes of computing, communications, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Its ability to operate from any reasonably flat surface, including water, with minimal infrastructure, offers mobility, deployability, and flexibility in support of maritime, coastal and land-based expeditionary warfare in areas where current platforms are challenged.

The future Airlander 50 and Airlander 200 platforms will offer low-cost, sustainable, tactical and strategic air lift capability.