French startup Flying Whales is on a mission to transform cargo transport with its ambitious Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (LCA60T) project. This colossal helium-filled airship, measuring 656 feet in length, aims to connect population centers with remote, inaccessible areas by moving important goods and materials without touching the ground.
Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The airship’s technology by the numbers
The LCA60T features a cargo capacity of up to 132,000 pounds, surpassing an Airbus Beluga XL. The airship’s helium volume reaches 6.3 million cubic feet, enabling it to reach a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. Propelled by 32 electric propeller drives with a combined 5,360 horsepower, the LCA60T can achieve a top speed of 63 mph. The LCA60T incorporates several cutting-edge design elements. Its skeletal frame features a composite beam lattice construction with metal joints. The airship contains 14 non-pressurized helium cells, equipped with advanced sensor systems. The 315-foot-long cargo hold is a structural compartment with dual sliding doors. A specially developed Diatex ultralight polyester textile serves as the outer skin.
Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Powering the future
Initially, the LCA60T will use a combination of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and turbine generators. However, Flying Whales plans to transition to hydrogen fuel cell power generation to reduce emissions and make it a more sustainable option.
Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Partnerships and progress
Flying Whales has formed strategic partnerships to bring its vision to life. Evolito is supplying 32 D250 electric motors, each producing 308 horsepower, for propulsion. The company has already raised more than $300 million in public and private funding and began wind tunnel testing of its outer skin material in late January 2025.
Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Potential applications
The LCA60T’s versatility opens up numerous possibilities. It can extract renewable wood from remote logging…
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