Aeroscraft
The Aeroscraft model ML866 is a planned 20-ton[1] hybrid airship, to be built by the Worldwide Aeros Corporation.
A scaled-down prototype was made in 2008.[citation needed] A 2006 article in POPSCI reported Worldwide Aeros Corporation was developing a prototype to be completed by 2010.[2] It uses technology from the cancelled DARPA WALRUS HULA airship. [1]
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[edit] Technical details
In 2009 the developers Aeros claimed the Aeroscraft will be 210 feet (64 m) in length, have a top speed of 120 knots (222 km/h), and a flight ceiling of 12,000 feet (3,700 m).[1][3] News media claimed it could be modified to carry up to 180 passengers.[4]
[edit] Technology
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,[3] and its canards (forward fins) and empennage (rear fins).[5]
As well as its horizonal propellers, the Aeroscraft has six downward-pointing turbofan jet engines for vertical take-off and landing.[5] 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.[5] These systems make the Aeroscraft capable of landing on rough or snowy terrain, or on water.[6][unreliable source?]
[edit] Uses
[edit] For regular commercial cargo and the military
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.[7]
[edit] For passengers and tourists
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.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Aeros showcased the Aeroscraft at the National Defense Transportation Association, 63rd Annual Forum and Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee.". Aeros. September 23, 2009. http://www.aerosml.com/ndtapostshow.asp. Retrieved 23 July 2010. "60 tons useful payload, 120 knots speed, 3,100 nautical miles range and 12,000 ft operating altitude"
- ^ Tompkins, Joshua. The Flying Luxury Hotel. Popular Science. "is in the early stages of developing a prototype and expects to have one completed by 2010" Accessed on 15-10-2010.
- ^ a b "Aeroscraft - Model Aeros ML866 Specifications". Aeros. http://www.aerosml.com/ml866/specs.html. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ Dodson, Sean (2008-06-09). "Could Zeppelin's airships soon be gracing our skies again?". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/jun/05/greentech.transport. "could be adapted to manage anything up to 180"
- ^ a b c Grabianowski, Ed. "How the Aeroscraft Will Work". How Stuff Works. http://science.howstuffworks.com/aeroscraft.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
- ^ "Cruise ship of the sky?". CNET. 2006-03-06. http://news.com.com/2300-11397_3-6046252-1.html. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
- ^ Tompkins, Joshua. The Flying Luxury Hotel. Popular Science. Accessed on 15-10-2007.
[edit] External links
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