Traveling in Style

Tarzana, Calif. – March 16, 2006 – As you walk around, you’re amazed by the spacious surroundings, exquisite staterooms, spas, restaurants, nightclubs, gift shops and even a casino. But this isn’t just a swanky hotel or cruise ship. It’s the Aeroscraft and it’s expected to permanently change air travel. The 850-foot-long airship combines technologies from airplanes, helicopters and blimps. Its design will allow it to fly further, operate more economically, and lift more than any other craft in the sky. That means it could soar past crowded airports and congested highways, skimming above forests, meadows and canyons and, because it can take off and land vertically, the Aeroscraft can delivery its passengers to just about anywhere they want to go. All in comfort that has only been seen in the most luxurious hotels and cruise ships. The Aeroscraft derives its lift from 14 million cubic feet of helium, as well as its aerodynamic body that is driven by huge propellers. The craft has an anticipated top speed of 174 mph, and a range of 6,000 miles. Since the Aeroscraft does not fly high like jet liners, it doesn’t need to be pressurized. Passengers will view scenery and landmarks just 8,000-feet below. The airship is the brainchild of Igor Pasternak, whose privately funded California firm, Worldwide Aeros Corp., expects to have the first cruise airship completed by 2010. However, a smaller prototype is expected to be finished in the next 18 months. The company also envisions a commuter version and a cargo-carrying version, allowing commuters or merchandise to be delivered directly to their final destination. "You can land on the snow, you can land on the water," Pasternak told Popular Science. "It's a new vision of what can be done in the air." Aeroscraft at a glance Purpose: Can be used as a military or cargo transport, a commuter transport or for long-range travel for passengers who are more concerned with the journey than the destination Dimensions (feet): 165 height x 244 width x 647 length Max Speed: 174 mph Range: 6,000 miles Capacity: 250 passengers when configured for luxury travel or 1.6 million pounds when configured for cargo. .

An artist’s conception of the Aeroscraft in flight. The proposed craft would measure 850 feet long – that’s almost as long as three football fields! Designer of the Aeroscraft envision being able to fly across the country at low altitudes giving passengers luxury travel and the chance to see the scenery, too The Aeroscraft could also have military and cargo capabilities. Because it can take off and land vertically, it would not need long runways to deliver its payload. For More Information: Aeroscraft Web Site Popular Science Magazine

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