The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in October 2012 that the first LEMV was 12,000 lb. overweight, reducing endurance to four-five days. The Army proposed lowering the operating altitude to 16,000 ft. to push endurance back up to 16 days.

Cancellation of LEMV is a blow for HAV, which has been trying to get its hybrid airship technology off the ground for decades. An agreement to develop a commercial heavy-lift cargo version of the vehicle slipped through the company’s fingers in August, when Canada’s Discovery Air let the tentative deal lapse.