Modern airships in Russia: do they exist today and who builds them?

Modern airships represent an innovation capable of enhancing existing transportation systems and providing solutions to challenges that trains, cars, airplanes, and helicopters cannot address.

• Delivering goods to remote regions lacking roads, runways, and other infrastructure.

• Transporting oversized cargo under extreme conditions.

• Conducting missions in wildlife areas quietly, without harmful emissions, preserving the ecosystem.

• Autonomous operations requiring weeks-long airborne endurance.

• Arctic logistics — cargo transportation to regions without road access.

• Telecommunications — signal transmission in remote areas of the country.

• Oil and gas industry — rapid access to drilling rigs and infrastructure.

• Ecotourism — guided tours with a gentle approach to nature.

• Rescue operations — delivering aid to inaccessible regions.

Modern airships are being developed using advanced technologies such as composite materials, hybrid propulsion systems, solar panels, automated control and landing systems, and unmanned operation. Companies actively involved in airship construction include "Flying Whales" (France), "Aeroscraft" (USA), "Lockheed Martin," and "AERONOVA" (Russia). The world is changing, and airships are returning as a new platform — economical, safe, and versatile.

Russia previously held leading positions in airship construction and aims to re-enter the global market by leveraging its achievements and modern technologies.

The company "AERONOVA," within the framework of the "New Generation Airships'" project, is developing aircraft ranging from lightweight aerostats to heavy-lift airships. This project is carried out in collaboration with Russian research and engineering institutions, such as the Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Moscow Aviation Institute.

Russia is currently testing its first new-generation airship, NOVA-01. This fully functional 17-meter airship is designed to refine technological solutions, including automated hangar exit, navigation, and precise landing. Initial testing of NOVA-01 demonstrated high speed and maneuverability, opening new possibilities for autonomous flights.

The second airship, NOVA-02, is also being prepared for testing. It will be larger than its predecessor and will be available in both cargo and passenger configurations.

Passenger airships could become a safe and comfortable mode of transportation.

• Safety. Using helium as the lifting gas ensures a high level of safety and reliability for air travel.

• Comfort. The absence of turbulence and resilience to weather conditions will make flights more pleasant and relaxing for passengers.

• Smooth take-off and landing. Vertical take-offs and landings will prevent abrupt movements and discomfort.

• Enjoyable travel experience. Smooth flight will provide an opportunity to appreciate the views and atmosphere during the journey.

Active work is underway on modern passenger airships. The "AERONOVA" team is currently assembling a technical mock-up of the gondola for the NOVA-2 airship.

As part of a "live" fitting, the "AERONOVA" team is modeling:

• placement of the control panel, seats, instruments, and windows,

• options for crew and passenger boarding and disembarking,

• door-opening mechanisms and internal layout.

The mock-up is a technical prototype created with a minimal set of structural elements. Its primary purpose is to pass through mock-up review and certification procedures, as well as to refine key ergonomic solutions. The final concept of the NOVA-2 gondola is currently under development. It will incorporate all testing results, along with engineering and design improvements.

At the initial stage, airship construction in Russia requires addressing several key issues.

• Infrastructure development: construction of modern hangars and refueling stations.

• Workforce training: establishing educational programs and training centers for pilots and technical personnel.

• Technology integration: implementing digital technologies for airship design and management.

Solving these tasks will be a significant step in creating a modern airship industry in Russia and will open new opportunities for the economy and transportation system.

According to independent estimates, the global market for modern airships could reach $50 billion by 2043. This confirms the growing interest in airships as an environmentally friendly and economically advantageous mode of transport. Real-world cases demonstrate their effectiveness: two Zeppelin NT tourist airships generate up to €150 million annually, with flights lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours and ticket prices ranging from €200 to €890.

Airships can be applied not only in tourism but also in significant and profitable sectors such as:

• cargo and passenger transportation,

• signal retransmission,

• oil, gas, and forestry industries,

• scientific research.

In Russia, airships could become a new mode of transport, providing unique solutions for Arctic logistics, innovative cargo transportation methods with minimal carbon footprint, and autonomous control systems based on artificial intelligence.

Russia can take the leading position in the global revival of airship construction. Given its historical heritage and contemporary developments, the country is capable of offering solutions for sustainable transportation and eco-friendly logistics. Russian technology could become the foundation for new standards in modern airships.

The "New Generation Airships" project is supported by people from all over the world.

Opportunities offered by the project:

• financial potential of an emerging market,

• ecological solutions to transportation issues,

• future-oriented technologies with a wide range of applications.

International interest confirms that Russian developments can become part of the global trend towards reviving airship construction. The market is just forming, and Russia has an opportunity to assume a leading position.

You can support airship development in Russia through the "New Generation Airships" project. Favorable conditions are available at the project's launch stage.

For investors

• Best share price at early stages.

• Opportunity to become a co-owner of a revolutionary business.

• Prospect of long-term income from project development.

For partners

• Referral rewards for attracting investments.

• Tools to promote the project and increase income.

Learn more about how to join the project and become part of a technological breakthrough in the transportation industry.