I have been searching for an ultralight aircraft that I can argue is a satisfactory alternative to automobiles. Recently I was sidetracked by the ICON A5 which didn't completely meet the criteria. If you look at the photo above you might think I have been sidetracked again by the 260 meter long Aeroscraft. In fact, however, the Aeroscraft may be part of the solution. The Aeroscraft is an ultralight in a different sense of the term: Containing 14 million cubic feet of helium it is almost lighter than air. Two thirds of its weight is equal to the weight of the air it displaces. The remaining one third of its weight is lifted by aft mounted propellers which are powered by renewable hydrogen fuel cells. The other part of my criteria is also satisfied: Not only could it replace automobiles with commuter routes, but it could also ship them. I have found a solution though it is not exactly what I expected.

Like the ICON A5 the Aeroscraft has recreational purposes such as being an airborne luxury hotel or a luxury airliner for travel to remote places. But it also has the potential to solve some significant transportation issues such as urban commuting and shipping. I am a believer that we currently have the knowledge and technologies that can solve the worlds pollution and energy use problems. We just have to implement them. The Aeroscraft is a great example.

The Aeroscraft has a top speed of 174 miles per hour, faster than conventional airships. It is intended to fly at 8,000 feet and can go as high as 12,000 feet. Six turbofan electric powered jet engines assist with takeoff and landing. It is capable of a 400 ton payload, and has a range of 3,100 miles. The thrust of the engines along with the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft are what allow it to weigh more than air. To stabilize the ship a new technology called Dynamic Buoyancy Management, is used which controls unequal distributions of weight and buoyancy by pressurizing various compartments differently. It is capable of vertical takeoff and landing which allow it to land in different terrains including snow or water.

It has been designed to serve a variety of uses: an airborne luxury hotel with dining rooms, theaters and casinos, used for sightseeing ventures to areas not accessible by airplanes or boats, a military transport vehicle, and a cargo carrier. Those who follow the shipping industry would be aware that worldwide demand has caused a shipping shortage and a drastic increase in shipping charges. The aeroscraft could help solve the problem.

Igor Pasternak whose privately-funded California firm, Worldwide Aeros Corporation produces the aircraft says several cruise ship companies have expressed interest in the project. Commercial models should be available by 2010.

As you may have noticed, I have my own plans for the aeroscraft. Considering the top is the size of two football fields I think solar panels should be installed. After all solar panels work on gliders. Why not the Aeroscraft? (Please post if you know anything about this.) In this manner it could be kept in flight continuously. If you follow my writings you might also guess that I think the Aeroscraft should be outfitted with LED lights. In fact I already have the recessed lights picked out. Fleets of these could be used to reduce the burden on the shipping industry, to replace the airline industry, and for urban commuter transportation.

I imagine a fleet of Aeroscrafts moving between major cities and docking at at airborne airports with smaller models shuttling passengers to different locations. Then you hop in your true ultralight aircraft and in a jiffy your home. Hopefully soon I would have an ultralight aircraft to tell you about to fulfill the vision, but for now I'm glad I found the Aeroscraft.