Straightline Aviation (SLA) has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 12 Lockheed Martin Hybrid Airships with a potential value of approximately $480 million. SLA is working with Hybrid Enterprises, Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship reseller, to finalize the agreement, which would represent the first purchases of the airship.

“We are delighted to be first in line with this magnificent aircraft that is going to dramatically change the way cargo is moved around the world,” says Mike Kendrick, SLA co-founder and chief executive officer. “The clear-cut economic and environmental advantages of these hybrids are attracting vast amounts of attention from a wide range of potential end users.”

The airship carries a payload of up to 47,000 lbs. Image credit: Lockheed Martin.With a tri-lobe shape and air cushion landing system, the Hybrid Airship can affordably transport cargo and passengers to and from the most remote locations, according to Lockheed Martin. It requires little or no fixed ground infrastructure and burns significantly less fuel than a conventional aircraft.

Lockheed Martin says it has invested more than 20 years to develop the Hybrid Airship’s technology, prove its performance and ensure there are compelling economics for various markets to benefit from the platform. In 2006, a half-scale prototype vehicle, P-791, flew in Palmdale, California and successfully completed all flight test objectives. Since then, Lockheed Martin has completed all required FAA certification planning steps for a new class of aircraft and is ready to begin construction of the first commercial model and complete the FAA Type certification process.

The hybrid airship carries a payload of up to 47,000 lbs. (and 19 passengers) and has a range of 1,400 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 60 knots and a fuel capacity of 10,000 lbs.

In March, UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles announced that it was preparing for the maiden flight of its Airlander 10, the world's largest aircraft, with a carrying capacity of over 50 tons.