Seeing the world from above offers countless advantages: large areas can be analyzed in the shortest possible time, and difficult-to-reach regions can be mapped with precision. This is where FloFleet’s airships come into play. Available in different sizes and performance classes, they can be individually equipped with sensors and measurement systems to ensure optimal readiness for any application.
Their tasks range from geophysical surveys in the oil and gas sector – where highly precise gravimeters and magnetometers are used – to mapping subsurface structures in the search for rare earth elements. They also monitor high-voltage lines, oil and gas pipelines, as well as rail and road infrastructure to detect malfunctions, leaks, or unauthorized interference at an early stage. Beyond that, the airships support precision agriculture, broadcasting, and disaster relief – whether for soil analysis, live transmissions, or search-and-rescue missions.
A hybrid design combining aerostatics and aerodynamics
The design principle of FloFleet’s airships combines the best of both worlds. Most of the lift is generated by the aerostatic force of the helium inside the hull, while the aerodynamic force created by the wing-like shape provides additional lift. This hybrid design enables exceptional stability and precision. It allows the airships to maintain a constant altitude and maneuver reliably even in windy conditions. At the same time, payload capacity can be flexibly adjusted by changing the angle of attack: a larger angle enables heavier loads, while a negative angle facilitates landing. The large surface area, ideal for mounting solar panels, further contributes to remarkable flight endurance.
Andrea Cecchi, CEO of FloFleet, explains: “Because airships are sensitive to wind and have large dimensions, precision and controllability are crucial. From the very first prototypes, it was a challenge to find industrial solutions that combine precision, speed, and low weight – weight being especially important in aviation.”
Stabilization and control through integrated drive technology
Stabilizing and orienting the propellers is particularly demanding. Eight thrusters must be controlled with exact precision at all times to maintain flight attitude or initiate course corrections. Requirements for reliability, energy efficiency, and weight are exceptionally high. The motors must operate under all conditions, every thruster angle must be adjusted precisely and with minimal energy consumption, and the system’s weight must not reduce payload capacity. “The orientation of the thrusters is decisive, as it stabilizes the airship and determines its flight path. The motors must be reliable, lightweight, and energy-efficient,” Cecchi emphasizes. When searching for a suitable solution, it was also important that the system support CAN communication and integrate all components compactly into a single unit.
Ultimately, FloFleet chose FAULHABER. “The integrated motion controller was one of the main reasons we selected FAULHABER motors,” Cecchi continues. “It simplifies integration into the motor housing, protects both motor and driver, and the unified cabling increases overall system safety.” With FAULHABER motors, FloFleet succeeded in cutting energy consumption of the thrust-direction motors in half, reducing weight by 40 percent, and shrinking the system size by 60 percent. At the same time, closed-loop control and onboard diagnostics shorten integration time and enable predictive maintenance. Native support for industrial bus systems such as CAN or CANopen, along with EMC compatibility, simplifies certification and wiring. Preconfigured motion profiles also enable fast and reproducible responses – an essential advantage during critical flight maneuvers.
With its combination of visionary design, sustainable technology, and precise drive engineering, FloFleet demonstrates what airships can be in the 21st century: efficient, versatile, and safe. And thanks to FAULHABER, every movement remains reliably under control.
