Airlander 50 Technical Data
Envelope Volume: 103,000 m³ (3,640,000 ft³)
Overall Dimensions:
- length 119 m (390 ft)
- width 60 m (196 ft)
- height 35 m (115 ft)
Payload Module:
- length 30 m (98 ft)
- width 5.6 m (18½ ft)
- height (max) 4.0 m (13 ft)
Endurance: up to 4 days manned
Range: 2,000 n.miles (3,500 km)
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
Speed:
- cruise 105 Knots (195 km/hr)
- loiter 40 Knots (74 km/hr)
Total Weight: 58,100 kg (128,100 lbs)
Payload capacity: up to 60,000 kg (132,300 lbs)
Envelope
Helium filled, laminated fabric construction hull. The hull’s aerodynamic shape, an elliptical crosssection
allied to a cambered longitudinal shape, provides up to 40% of the vehicle’s lift.
Landing System
Profiled pneumatic tubes on the underside of the two outer hulls are configured to provide a
‘hovercraft’ like plenum allowing for ground manoeuvring over all types of ground and water. The
system provides a unique capability to reverse its flow and ‘suck itself down’ to the ground aiding
stability during freight handling. The system can fully retract in flight for reduced drag / improved
fuel efficiency.
Power Plant
4 x 2,350 hp, turbo-shaft gas turbine engines. Two engines mounted forward on the hull and two on
the stern of the hull for cruise operation. All four are configured in ducts with blown vanes to allow
vectored thrust for take-off/landing/ground handling operation.
Payload Module
Located on centreline; comprises 3 primary areas as follows:
Flight Deck:
Twin pilot stations.
Large transparencies for excellent all-round visibility.
Main cabin (forward):
Accommodation space for up to
50 passengers
Main cabin (aft):
Freight bay capable of carrying up to
6 ISO containers at a time.
