While cruising around the aviation news websites this morning, I came upon an article about a curious new airship described as a 'Biz-Blimp' on Aero-News.net (ANN). The ANN story asks:Are you a successful businessperson, who wants to travel in comfort... and make a statement like no other on the airport ramp? Perhaps, then, a business jet isn't for you; not even one of those new-fangled VLJs. No, what you may desire instead is a corporate airship.Whoa!
So I clicked on through to the website of Worldwide Aeros Corporation (Aeros, for short), the company that is about to launch this airship as a specialized alternative to the business jet. The California-based company specializes in manufacturing FAA-certified lighter-than-air craft for many applications. One of those is the Aeroscraft ML866, pictured above.
Featuring a floor area of well over 5,000 square feet, the Aeroscraft ML866 can be customized to include amenities such as a gourmet galley, entertainment area and sleeping quarters with elegant washrooms and showers, according to the manufacturer. Alternatively, the airship could be configured as an Airborne Business Center:
Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology suite, the Aeroscraft ML866 can be configured to serve as a high-tech airborne conference center. Business amenities include the functionality of a Computerized Office; Video-Conferencing Capability; Communication Package; Conference Room; Transformable Interior; Personal State Room.The imagination runs wild...
The airship is 210 ft long, and about 95ft wide. It can reach a maximum speed of 155mph, cruising at 0 - 120mph, and can operate at altitudes up to 12,000ft. Its maximum range is 3,100 miles.
The airship, billed as a 'private air yacht,' will be introduced next month at the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) 60th Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlanta. It's sure to be a top attention-getter at the NBAA event.
For more photos, visit the Aeroscraft ML866 Gallery on the manufacturer's website.
[Photo Source]
