Future cruise ships will be massive airships gliding through the sky, rather than floating on water. The Aeroscraft – one such airship – is currently under construction.
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Simulation of the Giant Airship |
This airship, which is as long as two football fields, is the brainchild of Igor Pasternak, the owner of Worldwide Aeros in California.
Although larger than current commercial airplanes, airships occupy less ground space compared to planes since they do not require runways. They take off and land like helicopters.
Unlike traditional airships, the Aeroscraft is heavier than air. 400 cubic meters of helium can only lift two-thirds of this airship’s weight. The massive propellers at the rear generate additional lift, keeping the airship and its 400-ton payload in the air while in motion.
During takeoff and landing, six propeller jet engines push the airship up or help it land gently.
Pasternak states that the airship can travel nearly 10,000 kilometers at a maximum speed of around 280 kilometers per hour.
This means the airship could cross the United States in approximately 18 hours.
Throughout the flight, 250 passengers will enjoy scenic views at an altitude of 2,400 meters. If they prefer not to gaze at the landscape, they can entertain themselves in the luxurious lounge, restaurants, and even a casino.
To minimize noise, the propellers utilize renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen batteries. The buoyancy in the air is managed by a complex system that allows for precise adjustments to the dynamics throughout the flight to compensate for external conditions and passenger movement. This system will draw outside air into the cabins and compress it to control the weight on board.
The prototype airship is currently being constructed and is expected to be completed by 2010. Several transportation companies have expressed interest in this project. Worldwide Aeros also plans to produce a similar airship for cargo transport. It can land on snow, oil rigs, and even on water.
Minh Son
