The Aeroscraft model ML866 is a planned 20-ton hybrid airship, to be built by the Worldwide Aeros Corporation.
A scaled-down prototype was made in 2.008.
A 2.006 article in POPSCI reported Worldwide Aeros Corporation was developing a prototype to be completed by 2.010.
It uses technology from the cancelled Darpa Walrus Hula airship.
It’s as big as a superyacht, and not quite as fast as a supercar but it does have a range of over 3000 miles and can do it over land, sea or snow, lingering anywhere you like the view.
A new category of aircraft that fits somewhere in between a blimp, airship or dirigible, the Aeroscraft ML866 project was recently presented at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) show in Atlanta, Georgia.
The key factor of the ML866 design is that it offers superyacht size and comfort in a platform that can operate independently from airports, meaning that a new class of luxury conveyance is about to become available which appears to trump them all.
Based on concepts developed for the (now apparently shelved) US Army Heavy Lift “Project Walrus”, the Aeroscraft ML866 has some remarkable capabilities not available in other aircraft - it is incredibly spacious offering a cabin area of 5,382 square ft (500 square metres).
Boasts low operating costs, has all-weather capabilities, vertical takeoff and landing and extended range along with its ability to hover for long periods, meaning it can be utilized for a range of different applications from a private air yacht to a business office (even offering conferencing facilities catering for 100 people) in the sky or for commuting, freight solutions and sightseeing.
The Aeroscraft ML866 is a buoyancy assisted air vehicle with a rigid structure and gas cells.
It uses Aeros’ proprietary Full Authority Direct Organic Lift Control (FADOLC) - a dynamic buoyancy management system that provides the low speed control capability.
While 70% of the aerodynamic lift comes from helium, the remaining 30% is derived from its innovative “wing” shape.
As well as being able to hover the aircraft will be capable of speeds up to 138 mph (0-222 kmh) and will operate at altitudes of up to 12,000 ft (3,657 m). and the massive 210 ft (64 m) long by 118 ft (36 m) wide by 56 ft (17 m) high structure will deliver a roomy 5000+ square feet of cabin space.
Aeros displayed a 1/48th scale model at this year’s NBAA show and hopes to begin airframe static testing of the rigid composite structure within months, with flight testing at the San Bernadino International Airport to follow as early as 2.010.
An additional series of commercially focussed Aeroscraft is also on the drawing board and will be scaled to payloads of up to 60 tons.
No exact pricing details are available as yet but reports suggest the tag will be under $40 million.
Technical details
In 2.009 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).
News media claimed it could be modified to carry up to 180 passengers.
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, 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 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 or poor roads.
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.
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 uch 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 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.
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