August digest: New Generation Airships project
On September 2, 2026, the project advanced to stage 4. Over the past month, the team completed the full-size NOVA-2 envelope, prepared the airship assembly site in Kirzhach, purchased engines for the passenger version of the aircraft, and continued testing and development.
Here is a closer look at each event and achievement in August.
1. The NOVA-2 envelope is complete
The final weld was completed at AERONOVA's production facility, bringing fabrication of the NOVA-2 envelope to a close. It has a volume of 2,000 m³, a length of 43.2 m, and a maximum diameter of 9.6 m.
2. Active work has begun at the new site in Kirzhach
The facility is ready for operation. The NOVA-2 envelope has already been delivered there, inflated with air for the first time, and successfully put through its first strength-testing cycle. Gas permeability and ballonet checks are planned next, after which the envelope will be integrated with the other systems.
3. Engines purchased for the passenger version
Two gasoline-powered helicopter engines made by the Belgian company ULPower, along with a complete repair kit for one engine, have been purchased and delivered for the crewed version of the NOVA-2. They are intended for an aircraft carrying one pilot and five passengers.
4. AEROLЁT-01 testing continues
After upgrading and reinforcing the rotation mechanisms of the propeller-engine frames, the team successfully tested hovering and holding the aircraft at a set point. The latest test proceeded normally, and the systems operated properly. The engineers continue to collect data and fine-tune the control algorithms.
5. A 300 kW microturbine is under development
AERONOVA is developing a 300 kW microturbine module that can be upgraded to 450 kW. In the future, it is intended to serve as a hybrid power source for production airships. The compressor section has undergone physical testing, and the combustion chamber has been designed. Developing the heat exchanger remains one of the most challenging tasks; plans call for the relevant technology to be developed in Russia.
6. Equipment for stratospheric flights is being tested
The team is testing equipment in a vacuum chamber under conditions that simulate high-altitude flight. The tests revealed insufficient heat dissipation in the rarefied atmosphere. After replacing the housing, the engineers continued to monitor heating and operating stability at different altitudes, and the readings improved.
7. NOVA-01 took part in the VIVA AVIA! festival
The presentation attracted the attention of spectators, experts, and the media, including Komsomolskaya Pravda, Argumenty i Fakty, and the OTS and NSK television channels. The team subsequently received cooperation proposals and invitations to attend the next festival with two aircraft: NOVA-01 and NOVA-2.
What's next?
At stage 4, the team will focus on assembling the NOVA-2E unmanned electric cargo airship with a payload capacity of 0.5 tonnes, launching production of the crewed NOVA-2 version, conducting ground and flight tests, and preparing to obtain a developer certificate from the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency.
The NOVA-2 envelope has already been manufactured, but the airship still needs to be assembled and all its systems tested one by one.
Stay with us to keep up with all the latest developments!
Learn more about the New Generation Airships project.
*The translation is done with the help of artificial intelligence.