Aeroscraft

The Aeroscraft model ML866 is a planned 400-ton hybrid airship, to be built by the Worldwide Aeros Corporation. A scaled-down prototype is planned for 2008, and a full scale passenger craft for 2010.

Technical details

The Aeroscraft is 210 feet (64 m) in length, and has a top speed of 138 miles per hour, faster than conventional airships (top speed around 90 mph) but slower than jet aircraft (500 mph). It has a flight ceiling of .

The Aeroscraft uses a combination of aerodynamic and aerostatic principles to remain airborne. Approximately two-thirds of the craft's lift is provided by helium gas. The remaining lift is provided by the forward thrust of the craft's propellers, in combination with its aerodynamic shape, and its canards (forward fins) and empennage (rear fins).

As well as its horizonal propellers, the Aeroscraft has six downward-pointing turbofan jet engines for vertical take-off and landing. The craft also uses Dynamic Buoyancy Management, a novel technology which controls buoyancy by taking in air from the surrounding atmosphere and holding it in pressurised tanks. These systems make the Aeroscraft capable of landing on rough or snowy terrain, or on water.

Uses

For people

One of the uses of an Aeroscraft would be as a luxury private yacht. Many facilities could potentially be included onboard, for example, large staterooms, dining areas, theaters, and casinos.

Another use of an Aeroscraft could be for sightseeing and long-distance cruises—much like a cruise on a luxury ocean liner or cruise ship. This is made possible by the fact that Aeroscraft can land on any terrain (see above) and fly at low and comfortable altitudes.

The Aeroscraft would also be able to reach isolated communities, such as remote islands in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which at present have no air links, often because the islands do not have large enough flat areas to allow for construction of runways.

For cargo

The Aeroscraft could be used to transport military vehicles or supplies to difficult terrain. Likewise, it could be used to transport civilian cargo to remote locations or locations with difficult terrain. This would take advantage of the large cargo space and the craft’s ability to land on any terrain. The manufacturer envisions commercial use as a cargo carrier which could deliver a large amount of merchandise from a centralized location.