French startup Flying Whales has developed its hybrid airship concept for over a decade. The company hopes this massive aircraft will revolutionize cargo transport by linking cities with remote, hard-to-reach areas—delivering goods without needing to land.
source.image: Global Update
Flying Whales massive hybrid airship can be used to transport cargo to remote locations around the world. It’s officially called the Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (LCA60T) and would cost as little as one-fifth to operate compared to a current generation cargo carrier aircraft like the Airbus Beluga.
source.image: Global Update
The LCA60T measures 656 feet from nose to tail and 164 feet in diameter, while its 315 feet long cargo hold can be used to transport up to 60,000 kg of goods per trip.
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Power comes from 32 D250 motors making 308hp each for a combined 5,360 hp to drive the propellers, enabling it to hit a top speed of 63 mph. Flight testing is expected to begin in 2027 should everything go as planned.
Flying Whales estimates that operating the LCA60T could cost as little as one-fifth of what current cargo planes like the Airbus Beluga require.
