31/08/2026
📍 Envelope for NOVA-2, microturbines, and relocation to a new site
Envelope for NOVA-2, microturbines, and relocation to a new site
The NOVA-2 airship now has its envelope, and the crewed version of the craft has received its engines. We are sharing key updates from AERONOVA, presented by Fyodor Konstantinov and Gennady Babanin during a webinar on August 27.
🔹Envelope for the NOVA-2 airship
Fabrication of the 2,000 m³ envelope, 43.2 m long and 9.6 m in diameter, has been completed. The envelope required 1,500 m² of fabric, about 10,000 parts and grommets, and three months of team effort. Next up are leak‑tightness checks and pressurization.
🔹Relocation to Kirzhach
A site at the Kirzhach airfield has been identified and prepared for assembling the NOVA-2 airship. It has been fully cleared, and final floor preparation is underway. The envelope will be delivered there shortly.
🔹Engines for the crewed version received
Two gasoline helicopter engines have been procured for the passenger version of NOVA-2. This will enable assembly of the crewed version (1 pilot + 5 passengers) in parallel with the unmanned electric version.
🔹AEROLЁT-01 testing
Successful tests of the hybrid AEROLЁT-01 craft were conducted in Voskresensk. Stationary hovering at a designated point was tested—everything operated nominally.
🔹Microturbines — the next step
A 300 kW microturbine module is being developed, with an upgrade path to 450 kW. This will serve as a hybrid powerplant for production airships. The compressor section has already undergone physical testing, and the combustion chamber has been designed. The primary risk is manufacturing the heat exchanger; this know‑how will be developed in Russia.
🔹Stratospheric program
Equipment testing in a vacuum chamber continues. Issues with heat dissipation were identified—after replacing the enclosure, performance metrics improved.
🔹Plans and next steps
Pressurization of NOVA-2, followed—after successful verification—by assembly and gas filling. Then—flight tests.
Watch the webinar recording and follow our publications to learn more!
👉 Learn more about the project "New Generation Airships" - https://reg.solargroup.pro/en/news/posts/obolocka-dlia-nova-2-nova-2-mikroturbiny-i-peree-6009?ref_code=cxo363