Cargo airships: capabilities, payload capacity and the future of logistics

The idea of a cargo airship was first proposed in the 1880s by Russian scientist Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky. Although the airship was not built at that time, research continued. In the 1930s, the Soviet enterprise "Dirizhablestroy" explored the use of airships for cargo transportation. During World War II, airships were used to transport gas, fuel, and military supplies. According to the Dolgoprudny encyclopedia, airships carried 250,000 cubic meters of hydrogen and 300 tons of cargo during the war.

By the middle of the 20th century, the use of airships declined due to the rapid development of aviation and road transport. However, today interest in cargo airships is resurging, as they can address modern logistical challenges that traditional transportation modes cannot effectively solve.

The new-generation cargo airship uses the lifting power of lightweight gases such as helium or hydrogen, and some projects consider solar panels for additional electric power. This opens up opportunities for creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient platforms.

The cargo airship's design includes a frame made from advanced composite materials, an airtight envelope with pressure control, electric or hybrid propulsion systems, and sophisticated autonomous control systems. Both piloted and unmanned airship models are being developed, expanding their areas of use and enhancing safety by minimizing human error.

Their independence from equipped airfields and flexible landing capability on various surfaces—from open fields and water surfaces to rooftops of multi-storey buildings—make cargo airships a unique delivery solution for cities with congested roads and regions lacking developed transport infrastructure.

Small cargo airplanes, such as the An-24 or An-26, can carry loads up to 5.5 tons. They require runways and have limitations regarding flight range and altitude.

Medium cargo helicopters can carry 1.5–3 tons of cargo. The Mi-8 transports up to 4 tons over distances up to 500 km, while the Mi-8MTV is designed for 2.5–3 tons over similar distances. Helicopters are limited in range and altitude and require specialized landing pads.

Medium-duty trucks transport 2–8 tons but face road restrictions and can only operate in areas with appropriate infrastructure.

A standard heavy truck (semi-trailer) accommodates 20–25 tons of cargo but, like other trucks, faces road limitations.

A medium cargo airship is capable of lifting and transporting cargo weighing from 1 ton upwards over long distances. For example, the developers of the LTA airship claim a cargo capacity of 28 tons. The company AERONOVA plans to produce an airship capable of transporting up to 10 tons over distances of up to 5,000 km, remaining airborne for 2–3 days without refueling.

Unlike traditional transportation methods, airships can remain continuously airborne for several days, significantly reducing transit time and increasing transport efficiency. Vertical takeoff, gentle landing, and smooth flight ensure cargo safety, making airships particularly valuable for logistics.

Cargo airships will be able to deliver items traditionally challenging to transport, such as:

- vehicles and specialized equipment,

- fresh food and medicines for remote areas,

- consumer goods for regular supply to supermarkets, retail stores, and pick-up points,

- furniture and office equipment,

- modular construction structures and building materials,

- medical and laboratory equipment,

- oil and gas, mining, industrial, and agricultural equipment,

- emergency rescue equipment for disaster situations.

Russia's climatic and geographic conditions create significant challenges for traditional logistics.

Problems that new generation cargo airships can help solve:

- Reducing dependence on seasonal limitations of road and rail transportation;

- Ensuring delivery of products and equipment to settlements with problematic infrastructure;

- Alleviating urban transport networks, delivering oversized cargo directly to recipients;

- Supporting specialized and rescue operations under challenging conditions.

Artificial intelligence will enable logistics optimization and risk reduction. Introducing unmanned airships will help provide Russia with a strategic advantage in the Arctic and simplify cargo delivery to remote regions such as Yakutia.

Unmanned cargo airships equipped with artificial intelligence and remote control systems can be highly sought after for high-risk missions. It is possible that in the future this type of transport will assist in developing new mineral deposits.

Airships solve the challenge of transporting oversized cargo without the need for roads or airfields. Their ability to hover over a specific point and unload structures precisely allows transporting large cargo items intact, without disassembly.

The cost of transporting large cargo by airplane reaches 1,500–3,000 rubles per kilometer, whereas airships, according to estimates of energy efficiency and operating costs, are 5–10 times more economical — from 150 to 400 rubles per kilometer.

The absence of infrastructure expenditure and high energy efficiency compensate for airships' travel speed, which currently lags behind airplanes and helicopters.

"An airship can transport very large cargoes over very long distances with zero emissions," noted Barry Prentice, Director of the Transport Institute at the University of Manitoba and Professor of Supply Chain Management. "All components for producing modern, reliable, high-quality airships already exist. This is not hype."

According to research company HTF Market Intelligence, the global cargo airship market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

- Advances in aerodynamics, AI-based navigation, and hybrid propulsion enhance the efficiency and reliability of cargo airships.

- Development of lightweight materials and automation increases payload capacity and operational versatility.

- Cargo airships meet demand for sustainable logistics, reach remote areas, and benefit from hybrid technologies.

- Growing needs in e-commerce and disaster relief drive investments in environmentally friendly transportation options worldwide.

Developments by companies like ATG, Worldwide Aeros, and others illustrate a commitment to creating high-capacity airships.

British company HAV has developed the hybrid airship Airlander 10, which can potentially be adapted for cargo transportation, provided the project moves forward.

In Russia, the company AERONOVA is developing unmanned and piloted cargo airship models with varying payload capacities and plans to launch serial production within the next 3–5 years.

The cargo airship market is rapidly gaining momentum. Joining airship construction projects at an early stage means gaining an advantage and being among the first to enter the industry under the most favorable conditions.

In Russia, AERONOVA is developing cargo airships as part of the "New Generation Airships'" project. A strong team of scientists, designers, engineers, and manufacturing partners is currently testing the first airship NOVA-01 and preparing the second airship NOVA-02 for trials. Join the project, support innovation development, and become a co-owner of a business revolutionizing transportation and logistics.

Find out how to invest in the project.