Boeing plans air-lifts to Alaska with SkyHook

摘要

Boeing has teamed up with SkyHook International of Canada to develop a commercial heavy-lift rotorcraft that addresses the limitations and cost of transporting equipment and materials in remote regions. The technology has enormous potential. The SkyHook JHL-40 aircraft uses a helium envelope to achieve neutral buoyancy. The lift generated by the four rotors is dedicated solely to carrying the payload. Boeing's advanced rotor-craft systems director Pat Donnelly said: "The aircraft will be able to lift a 40-tonne sling load and transport it up to 200 miles without refuel- ing in harsh environments such as the Arctic."