French startup Flying Whales is set to redefine cargo transport with its innovative Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (LCA60T) project. This groundbreaking helium-filled airship, stretching an impressive 656 feet in length, is designed to link major population centers with remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring the seamless delivery of essential goods and materials without ever touching the ground.

The Power of the LCA60T

The LCA60T boasts an exceptional cargo capacity of up to 132,000 pounds, surpassing even the Airbus Beluga XL. With a helium volume of 6.3 million cubic feet, this airship can ascend to a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. It is powered by 32 electric propeller drives, generating a combined 5,360 horsepower, and can achieve speeds of up to 63 mph.

Its design features a robust skeletal frame constructed with a composite beam lattice and metal joints. The airship is equipped with 14 non-pressurized helium cells and advanced sensor systems, ensuring optimal functionality. Additionally, the cargo hold measures 315 feet and is designed with dual sliding doors for easy access. The exterior is crafted from a specially developed Diatex ultralight polyester textile, providing both durability and efficiency.

Transitioning to Sustainable Power

Initially, the LCA60T will rely on high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and turbine generators for its power needs. However, Flying Whales has ambitious plans to transition to hydrogen fuel cell technology, aiming to minimize emissions and enhance sustainability in the long term.

Strategic Partnerships and Funding

To bring the LCA60T to fruition, Flying Whales has established strategic partnerships, such as working with Evolito, which is supplying 32 D250 electric motors, each delivering 308 horsepower for propulsion. The startup has successfully raised over $300 million in funding from both public and private sources, and it began wind tunnel testing for its outer skin material in late January 2025.

Versatile Applications of the Airship

The versatility of the LCA60T opens up a myriad of opportunities. It can facilitate the extraction of renewable wood from remote logging sites, supply materials for energy construction projects, and provide humanitarian aid. Additionally, the airship can deliver cargo containers from land or sea and deploy temporary modular hospitals in underserved regions.

A Vision for the Future

Flying Whales’ LCA60T symbolizes a bold step towards the future of cargo transport. While the project faces considerable technical and economic challenges, its potential to revolutionize logistics and connect isolated areas is remarkable. As the company prepares for flight testing in 2027, the world will be closely monitoring its progress to see if this modern airship can indeed take to the skies and herald a new era of sustainable and accessible transportation.

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