Rising Above
Today, however, the urgency of climate change has seen several start-ups go “back to the future” to develop new types of airships as sustainable alternatives for some passenger and cargo flights. UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles, US-based LTA (Lighter Than Air) Research and French company, Flying Whales, are three of the main contenders.
Trelleborg is an ideal partner to help the airship pioneers of the 21st century on their development journeys. Over the past two decades, Trelleborg’s engineered coated fabrics have become market leaders in the lighter-than-air sector. These advanced polyurethane materials for airship construction offer multiple functional benefits. The materials are robust enough to securely contain helium gas and support engines, while providing crucial protection against ultraviolet rays. Despite their strength, they remain sufficiently lightweight to facilitate high-altitude navigation.
“We are uniquely placed in this market segment due to our technical expertise and extensive processing capabilities.” says Kevin Maine, who is Commercial Director for Trelleborg’s North American aerospace business. “We blend polymers and textiles through various coating and laminating processes tailored to the unique needs of aerostats and other lighter-than-air applications. Our materials are engineered to perform exceptionally in diverse and demanding environments, ensuring reliability where it matters most.