Queensland’s Mount Isa is set to become the centre of aerial freight in Queensland, with French-Canadian manufacturer Flying Whales potentially set to expand into Australia.
According to the North West Weekly, Flying Whales is set to sign a deal with the Mount Isa City Council to bring the aerial freight technology to the region.
Flying Whales provides a hybrid-electric helium-lift vehicle that provides aerial freight in the form of a blimp-like vessel.
On Flying Whales’ website, it says it’s developing a 200m long airship that could be lifted by 14 helium gas filled cells that is then pushed through the air by a hybrid-electric system powered by sustainable aviation fuel, transporting up to 60 tonnes of cargo.
On top of this, Flying Whales has also become a corporate member of the Australian French Business Association (AFBA), meaning its airship the LCA60T may be coming to Mount Isa soon.
“Originally designed to meet the needs of logging renewable wood resources in hard-to-reach areas, the LCA60T’s 60-tonne carrying capacity and unique hovering characteristics will offer an air cargo solution in logistically challenging or landlocked areas around the world by enabling transport of heavy or bulky loads without ground constraints,” the AFBA says.
“This ambitious and unique program will expand social and economic development, with a very low environmental footprint.
“Flying Whales is looking to develop the LCA60T’s production and operation across the Asia-Pacific region, through strategic partnership with Australia.”
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