AeronovaNews | NOVA-2: production base, testing, and commercialization pathway
The AERONOVA team continues intensive work on the NOVA-2 airship. In parallel, the mechanical subsystem, testing infrastructure, electronics, and production base are advancing.
We would like to share the key updates and results of our work.
Tail section of NOVA-2
The first part of the tail section (the rudder) has been fully assembled, painted, and covered with a special fabric. We now have a finished aerodynamic component ready to be integrated into the airship’s control system.
Testing infrastructure
A pull-off test rig has been designed and manufactured for testing shell load-bearing elements (lugs, frames, and other assemblies). It is in the final stage of preparation.
This is an important step in moving from analytical models to system-level strength testing.
Power and electronics
A test bench has been fabricated for 48-volt generators. In the near term, testing will begin on the power transmission line from the gondola to the tail thruster unit.
With the gondola’s structural and load-bearing layout complete, we are designing the power and signal cables, distribution units, and controllers. We will manufacture the wiring harnesses in-house. We are currently drafting the technical specification for equipping this area. We are also setting up a section for manufacturing our in-house designed printed circuit boards.
Thus, a full development and production cycle for the NOVA-2 onboard electrical system has been launched.
Spring and caisson
The NOVA-2 spring is being manufactured: the order has been placed with a contractor, and a mold is being produced to manufacture one half of the spring. In parallel, a test rig is being designed to verify its characteristics.
The caisson components (the airship’s ballast system) have been manufactured and fitted and are now at the painting stage. After that, they will be assembled into a single airtight structure.
Commercial workstream
The first comprehensive commercial proposal has been prepared.
A visit by the first customer has been scheduled to assess the project’s alignment with the customer’s requirements.
We will provide a separate update on the meeting’s outcomes and discussion topics.
Public engagement
Dmitry Khmel gave a talk on stratospheric topics at the “Tochka kipeniya” venue in St. Petersburg. We continue to strengthen our expert presence and expand our communications.
Main news
A lease agreement has been signed for a facility to produce envelopes.
Currently, preparatory and refurbishment work is underway to establish the necessary process conditions. In the near term, equipment installation and start-up of the section are planned.
This is a strategically important step: we are establishing our own capability to manufacture airship envelopes, which significantly strengthens the project’s production autonomy and opens the next stage of scaling.
We will share more details on each area and the progress of work in upcoming publications. Stay with us!
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*The translation is done with the help of artificial intelligence.