Being granted a DOA gives HAV the ability to undertake a full flight test programme towards the type certification of Airlander 10. this is a big achievement for HAV as just eight other organisations holding an EASA Design Organisation Approval for type certifying large aircraft. It’s also an important milestone in putting the Airlander 10 into service with customers.
“As an organisation, we have worked hard to make sure that we were thoroughly prepared for every step of the DOA process. As a result, we have succeeded in securing our DOA,” commented Safety & Airworthiness Engineer Nikky Pittkin. “Now we are working with EASA specialists to establish the certification basis for our aircraft so that we can work towards type certification of Airlander 10.”
“Achieving our DOA was always an important milestone in our Airlander 10 production plan,” adds Executive Director Nick Allman. “Working directly with EASA, we have made excellent progress on developing the appropriate regulations for an aircraft like Airlander. Having our DOA will support our preparation for a type certification programme as we move ahead with the production aircraft.”
The Airlander 10 can be deployed in various contexts, including communication, cargo carrying and surveying roles in both the military and commercial sectors. HAV expects the aircraft to be in service with customers from the early 2020s, with the order book currently open to both organisations and individual purchasers.