24.07.2025
Airlander is designed for multiple roles, including defence and security missions where the survivability of the aircraft is critical. This means more than withstanding damage—it involves avoiding detection (low susceptibility), limiting the impact of any attack (low vulnerability), and continuing to operate effectively. With low susceptibility, low vulnerability, and a robust design, Airlander offers clear operational advantages in contested environments.
Avoiding detection: Low susceptibility by design
Airlander’s hull has a relatively low radar return as it is constructed from fabric and helium-filled. Airlander’s engines aren’t gas turbines and therefore have relatively low infrared radiation. They’re also widely spaced, which further reduces the aircraft’s heat signature.
Airlander is also extremely quiet and can operate above the reach of small arms. With no need for runways and the ability to stay airborne for days, Airlander can operate from unexpected or unusual places and remain on station far longer than most aircraft, giving it a unique advantage.
Resilient by nature: Low vulnerability
Airlander’s lighter-than-air design makes it inherently resilient to damage. A puncture to the hull results in slow helium leakage and a gradual, controlled descent, not catastrophic failure. Even with only two operational engines, it can continue flying, complete its mission, and return to base for repair.
Key systems like engines, fuel lines, and control systems are widely spaced, so a single impact is unlikely to disable the aircraft. Airlander also flies relatively slowly, so any damage it sustains is less likely to be worsened by airflow stress during flight.
Unyielding in hostile environments: Exceptional survivability
Airlander is engineered to endure both natural hazards and hostile conditions. Its design draws on extensive lighter-than-air research, conducted over a long period of time and within a variety or environments.
Airlander’s envelope is less likely to trigger missile fuzing on contact, and its low acoustic, infrared, and radar signatures make it a difficult target. Additionally, it’s built to withstand lightning strikes, high-intensity radiated fields, extreme temperatures, and icing, ensuring robust performance in a range of challenging scenarios.
Purpose-built for persistent missions
Airlander’s low detectability, resistance to damage, and ability to recover from hostile events make it a compelling platform for defence and security operations. This makes Airlander particularly well suited to persistent surveillance, forward deployment in austere environments, and missions where other platforms may be too vulnerable or short-lived. Whether supporting surveillance, communications, logistics, or multi-day ISR missions, Airlander uniquely combines endurance, flexibility, and survivability.
Learn more about Airlander’s defence capabilities here.