The effects of weather – a case study in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

Collaborative Study Highlights Reliability and Efficiency

In a groundbreaking collaboration between a team of experts, AECOM, and the SATE Project Consortium, the Airlander 10’s potential to revolutionize Scotland’s Highlands and Islands transport system has taken center stage. This joint effort involved key organizations such as Highlands and Islands Airports, Orkney Islands Council, HITRANS, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Reliability in Unpredictable Weather Conditions

The study focused on assessing the reliability of Airlander 10 in the challenging weather conditions of the Highlands and Islands. Rigorous analysis of over 13 years of METAR weather data for locations including Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Inverness, Stornoway, Barra, Papa Westray, and Scapa showcased the aircraft’s impressive dispatch reliability, consistently exceeding 96% in most surveyed locations. This underscores its ability to operate efficiently despite the variable and unpredictable weather conditions prevalent in the region.

Operational Efficiency and Minimal Impact on Journey Times

Beyond weather resilience, the study delved into Airlander 10’s operational efficiency. Typical journey times on established routes ranged from 30 to 90 minutes. Even under the 95th percentile worst historical wind conditions, the increase in journey time was minimal, consistently less than 15 minutes. This highlights the aircraft’s adaptability to varying wind conditions, contributing to its versatility in providing efficient air travel.

A Transformative Integration into the Transport Ecosystem

The study concludes that the integration of Airlander 10 into the Highlands and Islands transport system could be a game-changer. Positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, improved connectivity, and sustainable transport solutions, Airlander 10 has the potential to offer high-value, low-emission services. Whether connecting isolated regions or enhancing freight capacity, Airlander emerges as a versatile asset for the region.

Global Implications: A Future-Ready Solution

This collaborative study not only validates Airlander 10’s prowess in Scotland’s unique weather conditions but also positions it as a future-ready solution for regions worldwide facing similar challenges. With emissions reduction at the forefront, Airlander 10 stands as a promising solution for geographically and climatically diverse areas.

As the findings of this study reverberate, the Airlander 10 proves to be more than just an aircraft; it represents a transformative force in the evolution of air travel, offering solutions for regions grappling with unique geographical and weather conditions. The future of transport may just be floating above us.

About Airlander 10.

In 2012, Hybrid Air Vehicles was awarded a contract to produce an airship for the US Army.

The vehicle was designed in cooperation with the American aerospace corporation Northrop Grumman as part of the LEMV (Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle) program to develop unmanned multi-purpose reconnaissance balloon systems. However, due to defense budget cuts, the contract was terminated and the first HAV-3 vehicle built was returned to the company. The Airlander 10 was created on its basis.

The airship is 92 meters long, eight meters longer than the world’s largest airplane, the An-225 Mriya, and 25 percent larger than a Boeing 747. The vehicle is a mixture of an airplane, a helicopter, and a helium-filled blimp. The blimp retains its shape due to the pressure of the gas that fills it, and its shell is a hull made of a modern high-strength polymer called Vectran. Kevlar and Mylar are also used in the construction.

The weight of the device is 20 tons. It is reduced by maximizing the use of composite materials in the production of the drill.

The airship will be able to climb to a height of six kilometers and accelerate to a speed of 148 km/h. The payload of the vehicle will be up to 10 tons, and it will be able to stay in the air for up to five days.