Exel Composites and Flying Whales Partner on 60-Ton Airship

Collaboration Aims to Transform Cargo Transport with Advanced Carbon Fiber Technology

In a groundbreaking partnership, Exel Composites, a leading manufacturer of composite materials, joins forces with French airship innovator Flying Whales to revolutionize cargo transportation. The collaboration focuses on developing a state-of-the-art airship capable of carrying an impressive sixty-ton payload to remote and challenging terrains worldwide.

Developing Thin-Walled Carbon Fiber Tubes

At the heart of this ambitious project lies the development of thin-walled carbon fiber tubes by Exel Composites. These tubes, crucial for the airship’s rigid structure, will span approximately 80 kilometers in total length. The advanced carbon fiber technology promises to enhance strength and durability while minimizing weight, a critical factor in airship design.

Pioneering Airship Design

Flying Whales leads the design phase with their visionary concept, the LCA60T. This 200-meter-long Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) airship, buoyed by helium lifting technology, aims to transcend conventional cargo transport limitations. With its aerial crane capabilities, the airship opens doors to transporting diverse cargoes, from lumber to wind turbine blades, and even entire portable hospitals, to remote areas globally.

Technical Collaboration for Innovation

Guillaume Klein, Business Development Manager at Exel Composites, highlights the meticulous collaboration between the two companies. “Our partnership with Flying Whales is driven by a shared vision of innovation in airship technology,” says Klein. “We are working closely to ensure that each carbon fiber tube meets the stringent technical requirements essential for this grand endeavor.”

Vincent Guibout, CEO of Flying Whales, echoes Klein’s sentiment, emphasizing Exel’s expertise in carbon fiber technology. “Exel’s capabilities in pull-wound carbon fiber tubes and their understanding of aerospace standards are invaluable to this project,” says Guibout. “Together, we are pushing the boundaries of airship design and paving the way for a new era in cargo transportation.”

A Leap Forward in Air Transportation

The collaboration between Exel Composites and Flying Whales represents a significant leap forward in air transportation technology. With their combined expertise and innovative solutions, they aim to transform cargo transport, bringing hope and progress to remote communities around the world. Stay tuned as this revolutionary airship takes flight, marking a new chapter in the history of lighter-than-air vehicles.