Founded in 2007 HAV has used a hangar at Cardington, Bedfordshire, as the base for both the design and manufacture of the world's first hybrid aircraft. This lighter-than-air vehicle has been developed for ultra-endurance roles, such as communications, search and rescue and maritime patrol and also for transportation of heavy goods and cargo, particularly in remote regions and austere environments.
The Airlander range of hybrid aircraft has the ability to stay airborne for days and weeks at a time in order to achieve communications, surveillance, search and survey tasks. It can also transport heavy goods and aid point-to-point, without the need for expensive airport infrastructure.
It also utilises lighter-than-air technology to produce a vehicle that operates with less noise, less pollution, has a lower carbon footprint, longer endurance and better cargo-carrying capacity than other forms of air transportation.
Nathan Palmer, BOC's director of Bulk and Packaged Gases, said: "It is fabulous to be working with an innovative partner like HAV and helping them achieve their vision. This is very much aligned with BOC's wider ambitions to play a leading role in lower carbon transportation and we look forward to supporting their ambitious plans."
