The Biggest, Most Technologically Advanced Airship!
The Aeroscraft has been described as "the beginning of a vertical global transportation solution for perhaps the next 100 years". Built to transport heavy cargo to areas without airports or runways, it is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, and has a rigid structure. Currently the helium-filled craft can lift 66 tons, at a third of the fuel consumption of traditional vehicles.
By Sadho Ram — 05 Jan 2013, 03:57 AM — Updated about 11 years ago
It's Neither A Blimp, Nor A Plane!
The ship could also be used for major construction projects such as building large pipes, as it does not require a runway to land.
Image via dailymail.co.uk
The future: An artist's impression shows how the Aeroscraft might look as it picks up cargo from a distribution centre. Finished models will carry 66 tons over a distance of 3,000 nautical miles at 120 knots.
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Fill 'er up: At 77m (250ft) in length, the prototype Aeroscraft is just half the size of the final model, but has been built with the same rigid structure, flight control systems and landing gear.
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A concept of the airship on the battlefield, where it could be used to transport tanks and soldiers directly onto the front line.
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The competed Aeroscraft Aeroscraft airship proof-of-design sub-scale prototype is 79 meters (206 ft) long.
Image via gizmag.com
Civilian versions would be able to offer air cruises at any altitude. Just like a cruise ship but over land. Imagine taking the most awesome trip over a three or four days, from New York to San Francisco, slowly flying over the Grand Canyon or the Rocky Mountains, watching the incredible scenery while sipping on a cocktail or comfortably having dinner in a restaurant with huge glass windows. Then, at night, you sleep in your comfortable room. That's what the full-size Aeroscraft will be able to offer.
Image via gawkerassets.com
This is a new type of rigid aircraft. It's not a blimp, and it's not an airplane, but this thing has the potential to alter the way we understand travel and completely change military transportation.
Image via gawkerassets.comThe aircraft will enter a flying tests phase over the next 60 days. After they are done with the testing, they will build the full scale version.
gizmodo.com
The Aeroscraft airship will carry three times as much as the biggest military cargo planes over thousands of miles, use a third of the fuel, and it doesn't even need a landing strip.
dailymail.co.ukAeros Countdown & Aeroscraft Moving For The First Time
How The Aeroscraft Will Work
The Aeroscraft is a heavier-than-air vehicle currently in development for use in the near future. Learn how the Aeroscraft flies and what it will be able to do.
howstuffworks.com
The Aeroscraft
The Aeroscraft model ML866 is a planned 20-ton lifting capacity[1] rigid airship, to be built by the Worldwide Aeros Corporation. There has also been announced a 60-ton ML868 and the 500-ton ML86X.