Lavanchy 315-H

The Lavanchy 315-H is a hydrogen fuel-cell aircraft model designed and manufactured by the Lavanchy Engineering Corporation to transport cargo on the surface between habitats. Fifth revision of the original model L310-H, the current design was first proposed in 13001.

Design

The L315-H is a smaller and faster model in the L300 series, designed for frequent flights with lighter cargo. It features a redesigned engine system that enables quicker and more precise flight control.
The main structure has a cylindrical shape. The uppermost part hosts the cockpit, where the pilot and first officer control the aircraft. Below that is the passenger area, a small room where the few people that need to travel can sit comfortably. The lower part is unpressurised and unoxygenated and hosts the hold, where the cargo is stored.
Below the main deck, there is a second semispherical structure. It hosts the fuel and the core of the engine system.
The L315 is equipped with a radar, powerful headlights and an integrated communication system.

Propulsion

The mean of propulsion is a hydrogen fuel-cell system of engines. Two engines direct their thrusts downwards so that the craft can take off and hover statically, while the other two couples of engines in the front and rear of the vehicle provide thrust to accelerate onwards and brake when required to stop. The whole engine system can rotate to allow the aircraft to stir while moving. Lavanchy Corporation specifically marketed the new 315 models as a more precise aircraft thanks to a redesign of the engine support system.
The fuel cell requires hydrogen as fuel and oxygen to start the combustion, both carried inside the aircraft below the cargo.

Dock Sites

The L315-H does not have wheels or any other means of standing on its own while grounded. While Lavanchy manufactures a wheeled support pod that can be attached to the base of the aircraft when docked, it is not the intended landing manoeuvre. Instead, Lavanchy includes in the price of the aircraft a free installation of the launch structures. They include a series of mechanical arms that grab the aircraft, allowing the pilot to switch off all engines and proceed with the attachment to the support pod.

Manufacturer

Lavanchy Engineering Corporation

Complement / Crew

Captain, first officer, engineer

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

20 passengers

A sketch of the L315-H, by me (and it shows).