Hybrid Enterprises has signed a strategic partnership with PRL Logistics and Straightline Aviation to use LMH-1 airships to move airfreight and personnel to isolated regions of Alaska and Northern Canada.
Hybrid Enterprises is the reseller of the LMH-1 airship, which was developed and built by Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airships, and is designed to land on almost any surface including snow, gravel or water and can carry up to 22 tonnes of freight along with 18 passengers and crew.
The football field sized airships are described as an environmentally friendly way to move freight and personnel to isolated regions of Alaska and Northern Canada, and its hovercraft-like Air Cushion Landing System facilitates taxiing and holds the aircraft on the ground.
Lockheed Martin advanced development programs executive vice president and general manager, Rob Weiss says: “Lockheed Martin would be proud to have its Hybrid Airships operating in Alaska. Alaska is an ideal location for the Hybrid Airship to operate. The airship enables access to Alaska’s most isolated regions, and is designed to protect the sensitive ecological environment.”
US senator for Alaska, Dan Sullivan says: “I am pleased to hear this announcement. Alaska is a storehouse of immense natural resource wealth. This combination of technology and innovation will enable access to resources and provide needed benefits to our infrastructure. It is an example of a company operating to provide a transportation solution to meet Alaska’s unique challenges.”
