Digest for february: project "New Generation Airships"
We are pleased to share the achievements of the «New generation airships» project and the results for February 2026.
NOVA-2
The first section of the empennage has been assembled and is ready for integration into the control system.
The gondola structure has been fully designed. An important component—the caisson, which forms the gondola floor—is nearly complete. The spring is being manufactured, and in parallel a test rig is being designed to verify its characteristics.
A test bench frame for 48-volt generators has been built. Tests of the power transmission line from the gondola to the tail steering thruster will start shortly.
A full development and production cycle for the onboard electrical system has been launched.
NOVA-01
The airship is successfully undergoing tests. Trials of the automated control system will take place very soon. The next series of flights is scheduled for March.
AEROLЁT-01
Flight tests have been temporarily suspended and will resume after the envelope is upgraded.
Production of envelopes
Preparations have begun for in-house production of airship envelopes in a new 700-square-meter facility. Renovation work will be completed and the necessary equipment installed in March. The projected release of the first prototypes is April 2026. In-house envelope production will significantly expand the project's capabilities.
Test rigs
A pull-off test stand for envelope structural elements (attachment pads, frames, and other assemblies) has been built. Work is underway on stands for testing the spring and the generator.
Commercial track
The first comprehensive commercial proposal has been prepared. We hosted our first customer visit; the contract is in the process of being signed. We are in talks with international partners from Egypt and the UAE. We are discussing options for collaboration and adaptation of existing developments, including the production of advertising airships and specialized devices.
Public activity
Dmitry Khmel delivered a talk on stratospheric topics at the «Tochka kipeniya» venue in St. Petersburg.
Plans for the future:
- Launch of airship envelope production.
- Production of the first series of NOVA-01 airships.
- Production certification for entry into the international market and the start of serial production of unmanned airships for monitoring and cargo delivery.
- Research into building large stratospheric airships with the potential for subsequent commercial use.
New tests and flights are planned in the near future. That means even more engaging content ahead.
Stay with us to keep up to date with the latest news on the creation of new generation airships!
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*The translation is done with the help of artificial intelligence.