Recommended Published February 24, 2025 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Massive airship could shake up cargo transport Tech expert Kurt Knutsson says this enormous airship revolutionizes cargo transport by flying to remote areas. 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 numbersTheLCA60T 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)Powering the futureInitially, 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)Partnerships and progressFlying 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)Potential applicationsThe LCA60T's versatility opens up numerous possibilities. It can extract renewable wood from remote logging sites and supply materials for energy construction projects. The airship can also provide humanitarian aid, deliver cargo containers from land or ship and deploy temporary modular hospitals in underserved areas. Large Capacity Airship 60 Tonne (Flying Whales) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysFlying Whales' LCA60T represents a bold vision for the future of cargo transport. While the project faces significant technical and economic challenges, its potential to revolutionize logistics and connect isolated regions is undeniable. As the company progresses towards its 2027 flight testing goal, the world will be watching to see if this modern airship can truly take flight and usher in a new era of sustainable, accessible transportation.Do you believe governments and private companies should prioritize funding airship technology over other sustainable transportation solutions? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.