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Alexander McDiarmid Engineers Dual Helicopter Capabilities on the 130m GEx Explorer
Aviation-Focused Naval Architecture
Operating heavy aircraft at sea demands rigorous structural planning. Designer Alexander McDiarmid developed the 130m GEx explorer concept directly around the complex logistical requirements of dual helicopter operations. Preparing for a debut at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, the project heavily incorporates technical expertise from Lateral Naval Architects, Ghost Yachts, and Maritime Aviation. The resulting exterior profile utilizes taut surfaces to create a sharp naval aesthetic where the main superstructure appears suspended midships.
Sub-Deck Hangar Logistics
Storing aircraft on exposed exterior decks degrades airframes rapidly in harsh conditions. The GEx integrates an active dual heliport above deck with twin silo-like hangars engineered directly into the hull structure. These internal bays provide enough physical volume to accommodate four ACH145 Airbus Corporate Helicopters simultaneously. An integrated aircraft lift transitions the helicopters below deck, allowing the owner and guests to board their aircraft directly from a dedicated VIP Aviation Lounge. The hangars are sized to allow the main rotor blades to remain attached between frequent flights while offering secure blade storage during extensive ocean crossings.
Mitigating Dynamic Rollover
Landing heavy helicopters on a moving vessel requires unobstructed clearance. To eliminate strike hazards, the naval architects engineered automated guardrails around the main aft deck that collapse horizontally during all flight operations. This specific mechanical function significantly reduces the risk of dynamic rollover during touchdown. Operating under a strict Ice-Class rating, the platform guarantees a safe aviation environment across isolated, inhospitable polar regions.
Polar Expedition Accommodations
Long-range exploration mandates extensive personnel support. The 130m platform allocates living space for 13 guests across five double cabins and an owner’s suite equipped with a private foredeck and atrium lounge. Maintaining the vessel and aircraft requires a massive 43-person crew, including two dedicated pilots, aviation engineers, and four specialist polar expedition staff. The internal layout balances extreme exploration with heavy leisure capabilities, outfitting the lower decks with a beach club, a lecture theatre, an infirmary, and multiple panoramic observation lounges.
Electric Azipod Propulsion
Pushing an Ice-Class hull through heavy conditions requires maximum torque and maneuverability. The GEx concept relies on two electric Azipods DO1100P to generate its primary thrust. This propulsion network provides a targeted maximum speed of 17 knots and maintains a consistent cruising speed between 12 and 14 knots. By combining electric drive systems with heavy-duty hull architecture, the GEx provides the necessary offshore autonomy to execute extended polar itineraries while supporting continuous aviation operations.
