We knew it was coming. Shaped like a whale, the Aeroscraft ML866 aircraft is as big as a superyacht and touts a range of over 3000 miles. Worldwide Aeors Corporation, the company behind the aircraft, has recently launched the Aeroscraft ML866, which is “a buoyancy assisted air vehicle with a rigid structure and gas cells.” Shown at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) show in Atlanta, Georgia, the blimp-like aircraft will attract each and every eye for its ability to customize it into a luxurious floating yacht. Boasting a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h), the ML866 comes with its own airport and features over 5,000 sq ft of cabin space to put you into extreme lavishness. The aircraft is able to take off vertically like a helicopter to reduce the runaway time.

Bigger than half a football field:

The most prominent aspect of the ML866 design is its spacious and comfy space, which is almost half the size of a football field. The blimp-like aircraft is set operate at altitudes of up to 12,000 ft. The gigantic structure measures 210 ft (64 m) long by 118 ft (36 m) wide by 56 ft (17 m). The cabin area is 5,382 square ft (500 square meters).

Possible Applications:

One of the Aeroscraft ML866 configurations to be offered is an airborne business center that will be equipped with an automated office, video conferencing facility, a sophisticated communications package, transformable interior, personal state room and a physical conference space. The Aeros ML866 can be used as a personal air yacht, corporate air vehicle, business office in the sky, or commercial commuter.

Pricing and Availability:

Aeros hopes to initiate airframe static testing of the rigid composite structure within months, with first actual flights to follow as early as 2010. So, the enthusiast will have to sit back a while and wait for some more time to take a ride in the luxurious new kind of aircraft. While the pricing hasn’t been disclosed but reports suggest the tag will not be less than $40 million.

Aeroscraft ML866 Blimp-like Aircraft Picture Gallery

via MitBbs
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