Composite materials manufacturer Exel Composites has signed an agreement with Flying Whales to supply 75 kilometres of carbon fibre tubes that will form the structure of the LCA60T, the world’s largest cargo airship.
The largest airship in the world
A few days ago we talked about the LCA60T , the Flying Whales airship capable of transporting up to 60 tons of cargo to remote areas without landing. It will use helium for lift and will have high-efficiency electric motors , which will significantly reduce CO 2 emissions . Its ability to operate without the need for ground infrastructure makes it an ideal solution for transporting cargo in remote regions, such as jungles, mountainous areas or hard-to-reach places.
Now, with the incorporation of Exel Composites into the project, a key step has been taken in the manufacturing of its structure using advanced composite materials.
The airship can carry up to 60 tons of cargo. Source: FLYING WHALES
Carbon fiber tubes for the LCA60T
The LCA60T will feature a structure based on carbon fiber tubes and epoxy resin , optimized to reduce weight without compromising strength. This design will allow for greater efficiency in the operation of the airship, minimizing energy consumption and reducing the carbon footprint compared to other means of air transport.
The carbon fibre tubes supplied by Exel will be manufactured at its plant in Joensuu, Finland, using traction winding technology, which guarantees efficient and high-quality production. This process enables compliance with the demanding mechanical specifications required for aeronautical applications.
The traction winding technology used in the manufacture of these tubes improves the mechanical strength and durability of the material, ensuring that it meets stringent aeronautical requirements. In addition, the qualification process for the certification of the materials is already underway, with first deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
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Source and photo: Exel Composites
