A HUGE futuristic airship could be the solution to transporting tourists and goods to remote Scottish destinations, a study revealed.
Airlander 10, designed by Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), can carry 100 passengers or a payload of 10 tonnes, providing “comfortable low-emissions travel”.
5
5
5
It is set to travel at 80mph.
The aircraft is the longest in the world at 302ft and could operate from popular tourist hotspots in Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the Highlands.
A study into the potential use of the airships in the north of Scotland found that a reliable network for passengers and freight could be established using existing airports.
And claimed that less than £2million would need to be invested in the infrastructure.
This would involve some additional land being purchased in certain areas.
It would also include new drainage, lighting as well as a retractable sign.
There would also need to be mooring masts and ground anchors installed to tether the airships.
Seven on-site surveys were carried out by engineers across HIAL and Orkney Islands Council’s diverse airport portfolios, taking into consideration historic weather conditions at each site, as well as runway, boarding and landing infrastructure.
Most read in Tech
The study looked at Inverness, Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Barra, Papa Westray, Stornoway and Scapa Bay.
HAV has said that up to 24 new aircraft could be produced every year.
The Bedford-based company also said that the work could support 1,200 jobs.
Thirteen years of weather and wind data were analysed to calculate how the Airlander would operate.
The report surmised that Airlander is well-suited to deliver a new network offering to the Highlands and Islands.
It said the Airlander would be a greatly beneficial addition to the transport ecosystem, with minimal disruption, that can create new opportunities for economic growth and the development of tourism in the region, with only simple and inexpensive infrastructure upgrades needed.
The report was supported by AECOM, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Loganair.
Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles said: “Airlander has the potential to revolutionise life in the Highlands and Islands, by offering cost-effective and sustainable mobility that fosters improved passenger, freight and logistics connectivity for previously isolated communities, and boost employment, commerce and tourism.
“We are thrilled with the results of the study, which confirm the important role Airlander can play, and our partnership with the wider consortium.
“We look forward to taking further steps toward offering ultra-low emission Airlander services.”
Ranald Robertson, Director of HITRANS-Highland and Islands Transport Partnership, said: “I am delighted to see the Airlander concept study published today.
Read More on The Sun
“We look forward to working further with Hybrid Air Vehicles to identify the specific opportunities, economic impact and timelines this unique aircraft can potentially bring to improving the connectivity of passengers and freight in the Highlands and Islands.”
5
5
We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
