Lockheed Martin has gained another Letter of Intent (LOI) for its LMH-1 Hybrid Airship—but a firm launch order is still awaited. French start-up company Hybrid Air Freighters (HAF) signed with Hybrid Enterprises for up to 12 of the unique machines, worth potentially $500 million. Hybrid Enterprises is LM’s “exclusive reseller,” charged with finding customers.

“We are keen to implement such an impressive innovation in the logistics market. The LMH-1 will open a new era for remote cargo delivery,” said Hubert de Contenson, CEO of HAF. He has a logistics background, whereas his partner Jean-Paul Troadec, who was also present at the signing, has 40 years' experience in aerospace. HAF is talking to various oil-and-gas exploration companies who could be end-users for the LMH-1.

Rob Binns, chief executive officer of Hybrid Enterprises, said that LM could deliver an LMH-1 about 30 months after a launch, with production taking the first 18 months, and flight test plus certification the remaining 12 months. “We have a certification plan agreed with the FAA and Transport Canada. Now we will have to talk further with EASA,” he said.

Binns added that Hybrid Enterprises and LM are “close” to finalizing a purchase agreement for the LMH-1 with the other LOI holder, Straightline Aviation. This British company is also considering 12 hybrids to serve the remote lift market.