Blimp Travel Offers Comfort and Luxury For Executives

[Larry Dighera]

Here's a remarkable exception to cramped airline travel:

TIME IS MONEY ... SO WHY NOT TRAVEL BY BLIMP?
(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/928-full.html#195860)
Worldwide Aeros Corp. is applying an expanded notion of comfort
and luxury to executive air travel albeit with the sacrifice of
time. The company's Aeroscraft ML866 is set to make a bid at
offering the "private air yacht" experience to corporate air
travel at the National Business Aviation Association's 60th annual
convention to be held next month in Atlanta. In a market flooded
with higher faster and farther business jet options, the future
Aeroscraft's projected 120-knot top speed hopes to be offset by
its 5,000-square-foot unpressurized cabin that would provide
"ultimate comfort" for a few or "a computerized office,
videoconferencing capability, communications package, and a
conference room that while on the ground will accommodate up to
one hundred people, transformable interior and personal state
room."
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/928-full.html#195860

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> Here's a remarkable exception to cramped airline travel:
>
> TIME IS MONEY ... SO WHY NOT TRAVEL BY BLIMP?
> (http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/928-full.html#195860)
> Worldwide Aeros Corp. is applying an expanded notion of comfort
> and luxury to executive air travel albeit with the sacrifice of
> time. The company's Aeroscraft ML866 is set to make a bid at
> offering the "private air yacht" experience to corporate air
> travel at the National Business Aviation Association's 60th annual
> convention to be held next month in Atlanta. In a market flooded
> with higher faster and farther business jet options, the future
> Aeroscraft's projected 120-knot top speed hopes to be offset by
> its 5,000-square-foot unpressurized cabin that would provide
> "ultimate comfort" for a few or "a computerized office,
> videoconferencing capability, communications package, and a
> conference room that while on the ground will accommodate up to
> one hundred people, transformable interior and personal state
> room."
> http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/928-full.html#195860


Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this? DO they
think it will be a pleasure craft or as the story seems to think a
replacement for biz jets?

[Jay Honeck]

> Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this? DO they
> think it will be a pleasure craft or as the story seems to think a
> replacement for biz jets?- Hide quoted text -

If they could make it "all-weather" they *might* have a chance at
success with the ultra-rich biz crowd who longs for luxury.

Since they can't, they won't.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Larry Dighera]

On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:19:47 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
<wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
>:

>Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this?

http://www.aerosml.com/
http://www.aerosml.com/airships.asp
Our Aeros-40D Sky Dragon is FAA Type Certified and was designed to
carry different types of surveillance and monitoring equipment,
including TV broadcasting and infrared cameras. This ability makes
the airship the perfect platform for Surveillance Operations both
for government and commercial applications. The Aeros-40D is also
an ideal aerial platform for Advertising and Promotions as well as
Tourism.



http://www.aerosml.com/tourism.asp
The Aeros 40D presents a unique and adventures way to travel. The
airship is superbly suited for VIP rides and the use as a
hospitality suite for entertainment at special events. Because of
its comfort and level of safety, the Aeros 40D Sky Dragon airship
is a system of choice for the tourism application.

Passengers in helicopters or airplanes may enjoy comparable views
but they will never experience the gentle pace of the airship, nor
its spaciousness. The flight characteristics are smooth and
unlikely to upset even the most delicate of stomachs. Another
surprise is the sound, or rather the lack of it. Engines can cut
for gentle and smooth ballooning over scenic landscapes or
sporting events.

Scenic tours present a unique opportunity for the revenue
generation. This activity can be combined with major corporate
sponsorship, doubling the earning potential. The high profile of
the airship is self advertising. The ride in an airship has been
noted as one of the rarest, most sought after and memorable
experiences in a person’s life. Such an excursion is peaceful and
serene compared to any other types of scenic air tours. Presently
there are very few service providers competing for this market
worldwide.



http://www.aerosml.com/aeros-40D_spec.asp
Specifications

Airship Length 152.8 ft / 46.6 m
Max Flight Speed 51 mph / 82kmh
Operating Altitude Range 0 – 10,000 ft / 0 – 3,048m
Envelope Max Diameter 34.8 ft / 10.6 m
Envelope Volume 100,032 ft² / 2,833 m²
Illumination Yes
Number of Ballonets 2
Engines 2 x 125 bhp ea Teledyne Continental IO-240B
Available Advertising Banner Area (2) 4,250 ft² (25 ft high x 85
ft long each) / 395 m² (7.62 m high x 25.9 m long each)
Propeller 3 Blade, reversible, low noise configuration
Fuel Capacity 75.9 US Gallons / 287 Litters (usable)
Fuel Type AVGAS 100 or 100LL
Flight Controls “Fly-by-Wire”, Digitally Controlled, Pneumatically
Actuated
Nose Cone Mast Mooring Yes
Rotating Platform Docking Yes (belly mast)
Flight Crew Certified for Single Pilot Operations
Operating Capability VFR / IFR Certified
Number of Seats (nominal/max) 4 / 5

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:19:47 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
> >:
>
>> Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this?
>
> http://www.aerosml.com/
> http://www.aerosml.com/airships.asp
> Our Aeros-40D Sky Dragon is FAA Type Certified and was designed to
> carry different types of surveillance and monitoring equipment,
> including TV broadcasting and infrared cameras. This ability makes
> the airship the perfect platform for Surveillance Operations both
> for government and commercial applications. The Aeros-40D is also
> an ideal aerial platform for Advertising and Promotions as well as
> Tourism.

Ok, I'll give 'em this one as long as the weather is good.



>
>
>
> http://www.aerosml.com/tourism.asp
> The Aeros 40D presents a unique and adventures way to travel. The
> airship is superbly suited for VIP rides and the use as a
> hospitality suite for entertainment at special events. Because of
> its comfort and level of safety, the Aeros 40D Sky Dragon airship
> is a system of choice for the tourism application.
>

Like NFL games and NASCAR races. Oh damn there is a TFR over the stadium but
we can hang out over here 10 miles away. Even if they get a wasiver from the
TFR they are still competeing with skyboxes not aircraft.



> Passengers in helicopters or airplanes may enjoy comparable views
> but they will never experience the gentle pace of the airship, nor
> its spaciousness. The flight characteristics are smooth and
> unlikely to upset even the most delicate of stomachs. Another
> surprise is the sound, or rather the lack of it. Engines can cut
> for gentle and smooth ballooning over scenic landscapes or
> sporting events.
>
> Scenic tours present a unique opportunity for the revenue
> generation. This activity can be combined with major corporate
> sponsorship, doubling the earning potential. The high profile of
> the airship is self advertising. The ride in an airship has been
> noted as one of the rarest, most sought after and memorable
> experiences in a person's life. Such an excursion is peaceful and
> serene compared to any other types of scenic air tours. Presently
> there are very few service providers competing for this market
> worldwide.
>
>
>


Great they might sell a couple for Grand Canyon like flights. The original
story was putting them in competition with biz jets. That's just silly.
People use biz jets because it gets them from point A to point B quickly in
relative comfort. If there were a huge market for slow air service that was
more comfortable there would be a bunch of DC-3s being rebuilt with custom
interiors.

[Larry Dighera]

On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 11:06:20 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
<wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
>:

>Oh damn there is a TFR over the stadium but
>we can hang out over here 10 miles away.

There's no need to stay ten miles away when you can be 3,000 feet
above or three miles away:

http://map.aeroplanner.com/mapping/Stadiums.cfm
ALL AIRCRAFT AND PARACHUTE OPERATIONS ARE PROHIBITED AT AND BELOW
3,000 FEET AGL WITHIN A THREE NAUTICAL MILE RADIUS OF ANY STADIUM
HAVING A SEATING CAPACITY OF 30,000 OR MORE PEOPLE IN WHICH A
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, NCAA DIVISION ONE
FOOTBALL, OR MAJOR MOTOR SPEEDWAY EVENT IS OCCURING.

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 11:06:20 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
> >:
>
>> Oh damn there is a TFR over the stadium but
>> we can hang out over here 10 miles away.
>
> There's no need to stay ten miles away when you can be 3,000 feet
> above or three miles away:
>
> http://map.aeroplanner.com/mapping/Stadiums.cfm
> ALL AIRCRAFT AND PARACHUTE OPERATIONS ARE PROHIBITED AT AND BELOW
> 3,000 FEET AGL WITHIN A THREE NAUTICAL MILE RADIUS OF ANY STADIUM
> HAVING A SEATING CAPACITY OF 30,000 OR MORE PEOPLE IN WHICH A
> MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, NCAA DIVISION ONE
> FOOTBALL, OR MAJOR MOTOR SPEEDWAY EVENT IS OCCURING.

OK, 3 miles or over half a mile. That'll give you a good view. And you have
to leave the game if the weather gets bad.

[Matt Barrow[_4_]]

"Gig 601XL Builder" <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in message
...
> Larry Dighera wrote:

>> http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/bizav/928-full.html#195860
>
>
> Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this? DO they
> think it will be a pleasure craft or as the story seems to think a
> replacement for biz jets?

BizBlimps?

[Al G[_2_]]

"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:19:47 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
> >:
>
>>Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this?
>
> http://www.aerosml.com/
> http://www.aerosml.com/airships.asp
> Our Aeros-40D Sky Dragon is FAA Type Certified and was designed to
> carry different types of surveillance and monitoring equipment,
> including TV broadcasting and infrared cameras. This ability makes

snip...

> Engines can cut
> for gentle and smooth ballooning over scenic landscapes or
> sporting events.

It may be the ultimate cellphone tower, But with TFR's, probably not over
sporting events.


Al G

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Gig 601XL Builder" <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in message
...
> Larry Dighera wrote:
>> Here's a remarkable exception to cramped airline travel:
>>
>> TIME IS MONEY ... SO WHY NOT TRAVEL BY BLIMP?
<...>
>
> Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this? DO they
> think it will be a pleasure craft or as the story seems to think a
> replacement for biz jets?
>

Most likely they think that they can get people to "invest" in it...

Sure has worked for Moller.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
> "Gig 601XL Builder" <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in message
> ...
>> Larry Dighera wrote:
>>> Here's a remarkable exception to cramped airline travel:
>>>
>>> TIME IS MONEY ... SO WHY NOT TRAVEL BY BLIMP?
> <...>
>>
>> Could someone plese explain who they think is going to buy this? DO
>> they think it will be a pleasure craft or as the story seems to
>> think a replacement for biz jets?
>>
>
> Most likely they think that they can get people to "invest" in it...
>
> Sure has worked for Moller.

Exactly, this sort of thing is nothing but VC bait. It does nothing to help
aviation and, in fact, draws away investment funds that could strengthen
aviation and because of that should be ridiculed every chance we get.

[Larry Dighera]

On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 08:25:24 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
<wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
>:

>Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
>>
>> Sure has worked for Moller.
>

Moller has no flying product to offer.

>Exactly, this sort of thing is nothing but VC bait. It does nothing to help
>aviation and, in fact, draws away investment funds that could strengthen
>aviation and because of that should be ridiculed every chance we get.
>

Any company that is willing to build aircraft that actually fly (or
float in this case) deserves our support.

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 08:25:24 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
> >:
>
>> Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
>>>
>>> Sure has worked for Moller.
>>
>
> Moller has no flying product to offer.
>
>> Exactly, this sort of thing is nothing but VC bait. It does nothing
>> to help aviation and, in fact, draws away investment funds that
>> could strengthen aviation and because of that should be ridiculed
>> every chance we get.
>>
>
> Any company that is willing to build aircraft that actually fly (or
> float in this case) deserves our support.

They are willing to build something that is of really very little use. There
are better places for the VC money to go. Also, when a VC looses his cash on
this hairbrained project he is less likley to invest in avaiation related
projects in the future.

[Robert M. Gary]

On Aug 9, 7:28 am, "Gig 601XL Builder" <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net>
wrote:

> > Any company that is willing to build aircraft that actually fly (or
> > float in this case) deserves our support.
>
> They are willing to build something that is of really very little use.

Says who, you?

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Robert M. Gary wrote:
> On Aug 9, 7:28 am, "Gig 601XL Builder" <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net>
> wrote:
>
>>> Any company that is willing to build aircraft that actually fly (or
>>> float in this case) deserves our support.
>>
>> They are willing to build something that is of really very little
>> use.
>
> Says who, you?

Yes, me. Look up stream for my arguments on the issue.

[Dallas]

On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 09:28:23 -0500, Gig 601XL Builder wrote:

> They are willing to build something that is of really very little use.

Yeah... I want to see them get to their designation, open the doors and
tell all the executives to get out and grab the lines.

:-)

--
Dallas

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 08:25:24 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
> >:
>
>>Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
>>>
>>> Sure has worked for Moller.
>>
>
> Moller has no flying product to offer.
>

And these guys do? Sure looks like computer graphics vapor ware to me...

It's not the first "blimp of the future" that I've seen.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Larry Dighera]

On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 20:03:06 -0400, "Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" <The Sea
Hawk at wow way d0t com> wrote in
>:

>"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
>> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 08:25:24 -0500, "Gig 601XL Builder"
>> <wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net> wrote in
>> >:
>>
>>>Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Sure has worked for Moller.
>>>
>>
>> Moller has no flying product to offer.
>>
>
>And these guys do? Sure looks like computer graphics vapor ware to me...

http://www.aerosml.com/airships.asp
Our Aeros-40D Sky Dragon is FAA Type Certified

I've never heard of a certified aircraft that didn't physically exist,
have you?

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 20:03:06 -0400, "Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" <The Sea
> Hawk at wow way d0t com> wrote in
> >:
>
<...>>>
>>
>>And these guys do? Sure looks like computer graphics vapor ware to me...
>
> http://www.aerosml.com/airships.asp
> Our Aeros-40D Sky Dragon is FAA Type Certified
>
> I've never heard of a certified aircraft that didn't physically exist,
> have you?

Well, whaddayouknow - they do have a real product. On the other hand, it's a
LONG way from what the link you originally supplied was talking about...

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" <
>
> Well, whaddayouknow - they do have a real product. On the other hand, it's
> a LONG way from what the link you originally supplied was talking about...

I can't figure HOW they are going to get that behemoth going up to it's top
speed of 155 MPH. Did they suspend wetted surface drag physics AND induced
(from producing lift) drag?

Either that, or they must plan for some BIG mother engines.

I'll go for a ride, when (if) they build it. I'll definitely have to remain
a skeptic, and believe it when I see it.
--
Jim in NC

[Larry Dighera]

On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 21:51:48 -0400, "Morgans"
> wrote in >:

>I can't figure HOW they are going to get that behemoth going up to it's top
>speed of 155 MPH.

I know. It's a typo.


http://www.aerosml.com/aeros-40D_spec.asp
Specifications

Airship Length 152.8 ft / 46.6 m
Max Flight Speed 51 mph / 82kmh
Operating Altitude Range 0 – 10,000 ft / 0 – 3,048m
Envelope Max Diameter 34.8 ft / 10.6 m
Envelope Volume 100,032 ft² / 2,833 m²
Illumination Yes
Number of Ballonets 2
Engines 2 x 125 bhp ea Teledyne Continental IO-240B
Available Advertising Banner Area (2) 4,250 ft² (25 ft high x 85
ft long each) / 395 m² (7.62 m high x 25.9 m long each)
Propeller 3 Blade, reversible, low noise configuration
Fuel Capacity 75.9 US Gallons / 287 Litters (usable)
Fuel Type AVGAS 100 or 100LL
Flight Controls “Fly-by-Wire”, Digitally Controlled, Pneumatically
Actuated
Nose Cone Mast Mooring Yes
Rotating Platform Docking Yes (belly mast)
Flight Crew Certified for Single Pilot Operations
Operating Capability VFR / IFR Certified
Number of Seats (nominal/max) 4 / 5

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe wrote:
>
> It's not the first "blimp of the future" that I've seen.

Anyone who thinks this is new should look through the archives of
"Popular Mechanics" for the last 50 years. <G>

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 9 Aug 2007 21:51:48 -0400, "Morgans"
> > wrote in >:
>
>>I can't figure HOW they are going to get that behemoth going up to it's
>>top
>>speed of 155 MPH.
>
> I know. It's a typo.
>
>
> http://www.aerosml.com/aeros-40D_spec.asp
> Specifications
>
> Airship Length 152.8 ft / 46.6 m
> Max Flight Speed 51 mph / 82kmh
> Operating Altitude Range 0 - 10,000 ft / 0 - 3,048m
> Envelope Max Diameter 34.8 ft / 10.6 m
> Envelope Volume 100,032 ft² / 2,833 m²
> Illumination Yes
> Number of Ballonets 2
> Engines 2 x 125 bhp ea Teledyne Continental IO-240B
> Available Advertising Banner Area (2) 4,250 ft² (25 ft high x 85
> ft long each) / 395 m² (7.62 m high x 25.9 m long each)
> Propeller 3 Blade, reversible, low noise configuration
> Fuel Capacity 75.9 US Gallons / 287 Litters (usable)
> Fuel Type AVGAS 100 or 100LL
> Flight Controls "Fly-by-Wire", Digitally Controlled, Pneumatically
> Actuated
> Nose Cone Mast Mooring Yes
> Rotating Platform Docking Yes (belly mast)
> Flight Crew Certified for Single Pilot Operations
> Operating Capability VFR / IFR Certified
> Number of Seats (nominal/max) 4 / 5
>
http://www.aerosml.com/aeroscraft_ML866.asp

The capabilities of the Aeroscraft lead to its functionality - and whether
you choose to use the Aeroscraft as a private air yacht or a fully
functional business center; the appointments of luxury are endless and left
to the client's dreams to create. Our design team will help translate your
personal sense of expression into reality.

Top Level Specifications:

Maximum Speed 155 mph 250 kmh
Cruise Speed 0-120 mph 0-193 kph
Operating Altitude 0-12,000 ft 0-3,657 m
Maximum Range 3,100 mi 5,000 km
Overall Length 210 ft 64 m
Overall Width 95.1 ft 29 m
Overall Height 44.9 ft 13.7 m
Floor Area 5,382 ft² 500 m²



--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Larry Dighera]

On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:30:36 -0400, "Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe" <The Sea
Hawk at wow way d0t com> wrote in
>:

>http://www.aerosml.com/aeroscraft_ML866.asp
>
>The capabilities of the Aeroscraft lead to its functionality - and whether
>you choose to use the Aeroscraft as a private air yacht or a fully
>functional business center; the appointments of luxury are endless and left
>to the client's dreams to create. Our design team will help translate your
>personal sense of expression into reality.
>
>Top Level Specifications:
>
> Maximum Speed 155 mph 250 kmh
> Cruise Speed 0-120 mph 0-193 kph
> Operating Altitude 0-12,000 ft 0-3,657 m
> Maximum Range 3,100 mi 5,000 km
> Overall Length 210 ft 64 m
> Overall Width 95.1 ft 29 m
> Overall Height 44.9 ft 13.7 m
> Floor Area 5,382 ft² 500 m²


Hmmm.... It appears that I was looking at the wrong "product."

I agree with your former assessment. 155 mph seems fantastic, but I
suppose with large enough engines this rigid aircraft might achieve
that top speed. But I'm as skeptical as you and others now.

http://www.aerosml.com/Cosh_b2.asp
The Aeroscraft is the buoyancy assisted air vehicle with rigid
hull structure and gas cells. The latest Aeros proprietary
technologies including Full Authority Direct Organic Lift Control
(FADOLC), dynamic buoyancy management system, innovative structure
design, and low speed control capability have resulted in
generation of the fourth type of air vehicle. The exceptional
features of Aeroscraft, such as vertical takeoff and landing,
capability to hover for extended periods of time, independence
from airport facilities, all-weather operations and superb safety
characteristics demonstrate its unique place in the market.

The Aeros ML866 is the first development model of the Aeroscraft
family.

About Aeros:

Aeros is the world's leading lighter-than-air, FAA-certified
aircraft manufacturing company. The company's operations involve
the research, development, production, operation and marketing of
a complete family of Aeros-branded air vehicles used in government
and commercial applications. These include non-rigid FAA Type
Certified Aeros 40D Sky Dragon Airships, Advanced Tethered
Aerostatic Systems and New Type Rigid Air Vehicle - Aeroscraft.