FYI: Oregon partners with the UK to bring the Airlander 10 — humorously nicknamed ‘The Flying Bum’ — to the forefront of disaster relief efforts.
In an effort to enhance its disaster relief capabilities, the State of Oregon is exploring innovative aviation solutions with a British twist. Enter the Airlander 10, also affectionately dubbed ‘The Flying Bum’ for its unique design. This striking airship, developed by Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) in the UK, could soon play a crucial role in addressing the increasing frequency of natural disasters on the American West Coast.
Airlander 10: The Future of Disaster Response
Originally conceived seven years ago, the Airlander 10 is notable not only for its size but also for its potential versatility. This massive aircraft, touted as the world’s largest, stands as tall as five giraffes and stretches as long as a soccer field. Its hybrid design, utilizing both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift with helium gas, allows for a wide range of operational environments, including water and land.
Key Features:
- Massive Capacity: Initial models can accommodate 100 passengers or a payload of 10 tonnes, with future versions potentially handling up to 200 tonnes.
- Versatile Landing: Capable of taking off and landing without traditional runways.
- Endurance: Designed for long-haul missions, perfect for disaster relief in hard-to-reach areas.
Oregon’s Strategic Initiative
The Oregon Emergency Management Office, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience, has expressed keen interest in deploying Airlander variants. Oregon is particularly motivated due to the looming threat posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which necessitates comprehensive disaster preparedness.
“With the capability to operate without prepared runways and the ability to transport substantial loads over extended periods, the Airlander offers a promising avenue for enhancing disaster response,” HAV stated recently.
Beyond Disaster Relief
While the Airlander 10 is stirring enthusiasm for its potential in disaster management, it’s also set to impact the commercial aviation sector. Partnering with Kuehne + Nagel, HAV envisions the Airlander facilitating passenger travel across Europe. This dual-purpose functionality could set a precedent for future airship applications.
The concept of airships that can ‘fly indefinitely’ could redefine both relief operations and commercial travel, providing a sustainable and flexible aerial solution. The question remains, though: Are you ready to take flight on ‘The Flying Bum’?
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
