Hotel flying

Future cruise ships will be giant balloons that fly in the air, not on the water. Aeroscraft - one of such airships - is being built.

Huge balloon simulation

These two football pitches are the offspring of Igor Pasternak, owner of Worldwide Aeros in California.

Although larger than current commercial aircraft, airships take up less space on the ground than airplanes because they do not need runways. It took and landed like a helicopter.

Unlike ancient airships, Aeroscraft is heavier than air. 400m3 of helium gas only raised 2/3 of the weight of this balloon. The giant propellers at the rear create additional lift, keeping its airship and its 400-ton payload in the air while the balloon is moving.

During takeoff and landing, 6 propeller turbines propel the balloon or help it land gently.

Pasternak said the balloon could travel nearly 10,000 kilometers with a maximum speed of about 280 km / hour.

That means the balloon can travel through the United States in about 18 hours.

During the flight, 250 passengers will see the scenery at an altitude of 2,400m. If they don't like to see the view, they can entertain themselves in the luxurious room, restaurants and even casinos.

To minimize noise, propellers use renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen batteries. The ability to float in the air is managed by a complex system, allowing precise dynamics adjustment during the flight to compensate for the external conditions and the movement of passengers. This system will suck the outside air into the vessel compartment and compress it to control the weight on the deck.

It is known that the model airship is being built and will be completed in 2010. Many transport companies have expressed interest in this project. Worldwide Aeros also plans to produce a similar balloon, which carries goods. It can land on snow, on oil platforms and even on water.

Minh Son