A first of its kind airship created by Lockheed Martin is to be used in Alaska and Northern Canada to support work in mining, petroleum exploration and production.
The LMH-1 has the ability to land on virtually any surface including snow, ice, gravel and even water.
Lockheed Martin said the football field sized airships will provide low cost and environmentally friendly solutions for moving freight and personnel to some of the most remote regions.
The company will partner with US PRL Logistics, which is owned and operated in Alaska, to carry out the expeditions as well as UK-based Straightline Aviation.
Rob Weiss, executive vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs, said: “Alaska is an ideal location for the Hybrid Airship to operate. The airship enables access to Alaska’s most isolated regions, and is designed to protect the sensitive ecological environment.”
The first aircraft will be delivered in 2019 and will carry up to 22 tons of freight, along with 18 passengers plus crew.