Euro Airship has unveiled an innovative project named “Solar Airship One,” signifying a historic leap towards sustainable aviation. This initiative seeks to transform long-distance air travel by completing a continuous global tour spanning over 24,854 miles (40,000 kilometers), all while generating zero emissions.
Revolutionizing Long-Distance Travel with Zero Emissions
This project aims to cover this impressive distance in just 20 days, following a route near the equator at an average altitude of 6,000 meters. Notably, the solar airship will operate silently and without the need for fuel or stopovers. The pilots plan to traverse multiple countries, including India, China, Mexico, the USA, Mauritania, Mali, and France.
The Technology Behind Solar Airship One
The airship measures 151 meters (495 feet) in length, with its upper surface covered by solar film, totaling about 4,800 square meters (51,700 square feet) or roughly nine-tenths the size of an NFL football field for those who prefer standard units.
During the day, solar panels will provide power to the airship’s electric propulsion systems. They will also store extra energy by converting water into hydrogen through electrolysis. At night, stored hydrogen will be used in a fuel cell to generate the required power for the airship’s operation.
Euro Airship’s Solar Airship One project goes beyond emissions reduction, operating with 100 percent electric motorization to ensure quiet as well as efficient performance. The project’s sustainability commitment extends to its design, featuring 15 individually controlled gas envelopes for precise control, even in adverse weather conditions.
Set for its inaugural flight in 2026, Solar Airship One represents a remarkable advancement in eco-friendly transportation.
