The Skolkovo Foundation has agreed to issue a grant to a resident of its space and telecoms cluster to develop technology that could see airships take to the skies once more.
Atlant, the R&D spinoff of Russia’s only airship constructor Avgur, has received an undisclosed amount from the foundation to complete its active ballast system (ABS).
Airships were used for cargo and passenger transport in the first half of the 20th century but tailed off after World War II with the advent of planes and a series of high-profile disasters.
“The airship could be a very popular product in Russia for its fundamental attributes – it can cover long distances and reach remote areas poorly served by current infrastructure,” said Alexei Belyakov, a Skolkovo vice president and executive director of the space cluster.
An artist's impression of an airship design by the Avgur company.
Speaking of Atlant’s project, Belyakov added: “It’s interesting because it’s a multidiscipline area of research. … It’s not only the ballast system but new materials and engines. So we are hoping that Skolkovo’s support will lead to increased cooperation between private business and research institutes.”
Traditional airships use water as a ballast to maintain steadiness. But water is heavy and freezes if it gets too cold.
Atlant uses innovative new technology that does not require a water ballast, allowing the airships to operate in arctic and subarctic conditions – a vital capability in Russia, where winters are long and harsh and where the government is looking to develop its arctic regions.
It also has a sophisticated weight management system that requires significantly less energy to climb, said Artem Kozhukhovsky, a senior engineer at the company. The airship, whose purposes range from military use through civilian passenger transport and communications support, requires no hanger or aerodrome for parking, he said.
The world market for airship transport is believed to run into billions of dollars, and Atlant is seeking a 20 percent share. It is hoping to test its 30,000 cubic meter ship, with a maximum 16 ton payload, by 2018.