29.08.2025
Over the last two years, Hybrid Air Vehicles has been working in collaboration with the US Department of Defense. We have been collaboratively exploring the role of hybrid aircraft in reducing fuel use across a range of defence missions. The collaboration originated from a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Naval Postgraduate School and evolved into a funded study. The study work has been focused on Airlander’s potential for maritime logistics and communications, revolutionising the operations of the US Navy and Marine Corps in contested environments. With modelling, simulation, and early evaluations now complete, this marks a key moment to reflect on what has been learned, and how hybrid aircraft could help shape future defence requirements and operational energy strategies.
A reminder of what we set out to do
The contract leveraged the pioneering aircraft, Airlander, to explore new options in logistics support in contested environments. The project, backed by the US Department of Defense, focused on advancing fuel efficient solutions across defence platforms. The US Naval Postgraduate School was instrumental in conducting simulations and modelling to showcase not only the feasibility of Airlander, but also the advantages it can bring to warfare.
In the first year of the project, Airlander 10 underwent rigorous analysis of forecast performance in roles such as maritime logistics support. These assessments, conducted in close coordination with operational end users, have been pivotal in defining mission profiles, use cases, and concepts of operations for Airlander.
In the second year, similar assessment of the Airlander 50, with a 50+ tonne payload, took place. We examined the benefits and use-cases of Airlander 50, focusing on logistics missions meeting US DoD requirements. Studies into full electrification of Airlander were also carried out.
What our key learnings were
As the project progressed, a number of clear findings emerged around the operational, logistical, and environmental potential of hybrid aircraft in defence applications.
- Hybrid aircraft are extremely compatible with mission sets defined for contested logistics and communications & surveillance, complementing existing operational services by utilising the long endurance characteristics of the aircraft. Contributing to this, the ability to take off and land and deploy with minimal footprint or minimal infrastructure has shown to provide significant operational advantages.
- Airlander 10 will offer significantly reduced fuel consumption even in an all-kerosene engine configuration, a key objective for the DoD.
- For key communications & surveillance missions Airlander provides increased payload capacity and the ability to remain on station for longer periods of time, when compared with current assets.
- For logistics missions Airlander will provide significant advantages operationally, with the ability to operate from any relatively flat surface and the ability to operate away from predictable routes.