Lockheed has been tagged by Quest Rare Minerals to build Seven 20-Ton Hybrids for mining operations in northern Canada. The deal is estimated to be worth $850 Million, including fuel.
Clearly the 'if' in the question of if Hybrid Airships will ever by a reality has now been replaced with a 'when'. And by the looks of things, Lockheed is going to be producing hybrids non-stop by 2020.
Hopefully when Hybrids are being used regularly in these niche markets, the perception of Airships will change and many who are unaware of the recent achievements in this industry will start reconsidering their viability in other areas, such as sightseeing, entertainment, flying hotels, shipping, public transportation, etc.
By 2050 Hybrids should be a regular mainstay of our global economy, the Hindenburg will be all but forgotten, and people living in that time will probably have no doubts about their viability or even superiority as an air transport platform.
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