Since 2012, Flying Whales has been working on the development of the LCA60T , an airship capable of transporting up to 60 tons of cargo to remote and inaccessible areas. With 180,000 m³ of helium to lift it to 3,000 meters high, this colossus offers an ecological alternative to traditional transport.
A lighter-than-air airship
The idea behind this project is simple: use a lighter-than-air vehicle to reduce energy consumption and, consequently, the carbon footprint of freight transport. The LCA60T features 32 propeller engines generating a combined output of 4,000 kW, initially powered by lithium-ion batteries and turbine generators. However, the company plans to integrate hydrogen fuel cells in the future, seeking to further minimise emissions.
One of the most innovative features of the LCA60T is its ability to load and unload cargo without having to land . Thanks to a double sliding door system and hydraulic cables, it can operate in areas without infrastructure, eliminating the need for ports or roads. This makes it an ideal solution for construction projects in isolated areas, delivering humanitarian aid and even the installation of temporary modular hospitals.
Flying Whales estimates that the operating cost of the LCA60T will be only one-fifth of the cost of a conventional cargo aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga. In addition, its semi-rigid design, composed of a frame of metal beams and joints, gives it a robustness that guarantees safety and efficiency on every flight.
Key collaborations for its development
The development of the LCA60T has benefited from significant collaboration. Evolito, a subsidiary of Yasa specialising in axial flux electric motors , will supply 32 D250 motors of 308 hp each to propel the airship. This technological advance is key to achieving the maximum speed of 100 km/h that Flying Whales hopes to achieve.
According to the New Atlas portal, flight tests are scheduled for 2027 , although the complexity of the project could extend the deadlines. Despite the challenges, Flying Whales has managed to raise more than $300 million in public and private funding, establishing itself as a major player in the renaissance of airships as a sustainable transportation option.
Watch the following video to see how this “giant balloon” would transport loads.
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Source and photos: Flying Whales
