Atlas LTA develops new generation of airships

Atlas LTA, a newly established Israeli company, is developing a family of innovative airships named ATLANT. The largest model, ATLANT 300, measures 200 meters in length, 100 meters wide, and 50 meters high.

The aircraft will be capable of carrying 165 tons of cargo up to an altitude of 2,000 km at a speed of 120 km/h in all weather conditions. Two other smaller models, ATLANT 30 and ATLANT 100, will carry 18 tons and 60 tons respectively.

Airships are seen as game-changers in the world of air cargo delivery as they do not require extensive ground facilities for take-off or landing, enabling them to reach isolated or underdeveloped areas. This unique ability has drawn attention from humanitarian organizations such as the UN World Food Program, who often face significant logistical obstacles to their missions.

ATLANT 300 will be able to carry 165 tones to 2,000 KM. This aircraft will change the whole transportation industry, especially logistics for rural areas and the way we transport oversized cargoes.

Similarly, the aircraft is well-suited to tackling forest fires. Another example of the ATLANT's role in the industrial world is point-to-point transportation and installation of large wind turbine blades which require offshore delivery.

In addition to cargo, ATLANTs will create a new dimensions in air travel offering short-haul and high-comfort passenger ferry flights to numerous hard to reach destinations.

The greener alternative

Atlas Founder and CEO, Gennadiy Verba, says: "The airships being developed by Atlas have a number of advantages in comparison to aircraft and sometimes even ground transportation. Firstly there is the low cost per ton-kilometer, but importantly, much lower greenhouse gas emissions: 30-40% less than the most efficient airplanes and 5-7 times less than the best heavy helicopters.

"And that is only the beginning. Our electric powertrain enables us to reach zero emission within the next 7-8 years, much faster than other flight vehicles of comparable size. Capable of operating in the most difficult weather conditions ATLANT is a good alternative to land transportation by ice roads in countries like Russia or Canada."

Verba explains that ATLANTs can take off vertically, connecting places point-to-point just like a helicopter or drone, but capable of carrying much larger cargos, much longer distances, at much lower cost.

Electric sightseeing

Whilst ATLANT is the company’s flagship project - expected to become reality in 4 to 5 years - Atlas expects to present its first electric airship for tourists in about 2 years.

This airship, named Atlas-11, is designed for 19 people (2 crew members and 17 passengers) and will offer aerial tours featuring first-class seating, large windows, stability and quietness.

atlas-lta.com

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 10th December 2020 | Issue #585

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