Dominique Stump
Hybrid Enterprises has entered into a strategic partnership with PRL Logistics and Straightline Aviation to bring the Lockheed Martin-built LMH-1 heavy-lift hybrid airship to Alaska and northern Canada.
LMH-1 works to transport up to 22 tons of freight and up to 18 passengers and combines “lighter than air” aircraft technology with traditional air platforms, Hybrid Enterprises said Tuesday.
Rob Weiss, executive vice president and general manager of Lockheed’s advanced development programs, noted Alaska’s isolated regions are suitable locations to operate the hybrid airship.
Michael Kendrick, chief executive of Straightline Aviation, added the partnership aims to utilize PRL’s logistics knowledge and Straightline Aviation’s airship operations experience.
Hybrid Enterprises said LMH-1’s hovercraft-like Air Cushion Landing System works to perform landings on various surfaces, while the lift is mostly from helium and the rest from its aerodynamic shape and the four thrust vectoring engines.
Alaska is scheduled to receive the first hybrid aircraft by 2019.
PRL’s Kenai logistics operations center in Alaska has overland, marine and aviation access and will serve as LMH-1’s base operations center.
Hybrid Enterprises is the exclusive worldwide reseller of Lockheed’s hybrid airships and associated services.
