A next-generation hydrogen airship for cargo

A startup is re-imagining the hydrogen airship for the 21st century

Spotted: Hydrogen airships enjoyed a brief period of popularity during the 1920s and 1930s before falling out of fashion. Today, innovators are re-imagining the concept for the 21st century, seeing it as a clean and green option for cargo transportation.

H2 Clipper Inc., an aerospace and alternative energy company, recently announced the completion of a simulated wind tunnel test of its hydrogen-powered airship. The test, which was conducted using computational fluid dynamics, confirms the airship’s aerodynamic design achieves an extremely low level of residual drag.

The new lighter-than-air aircraft, known as the ‘H2 Clipper’, uses green hydrogen for both lift and forward propulsion. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the H2 Clipper can achieve payloads of up to 277 tonnes while consuming 70 per cent less fuel than traditional air freighters.

Additionally, the H2 Clipper is up to seven times faster than shipping by truck or cargo vessel, making it an ideal solution for time-sensitive shipments. Best of all, the H2 Clipper is fully carbon-free, making it a truly sustainable form of transportation.

When operational, the airship will be able to transport large quantities of hydrogen over long distances with minimal environmental impact. With its unique combination of affordability, speed, and sustainability, the H2 Clipper is poised to revolutionise the way we move goods around the world. The recent wind tunnel test marks an important milestone in its development.

Other cargo innovations recently spotted by Springwise include a heavy-duty hydrogen-powered truck, drones for middle-mile delivery, and smaller electric cargo ships.