Disc-Shaped Airship May Be The Transporter Of The Future

An Australian company is developing a giant disc-shaped piloted airship, that will be able to transport loads of up to 150 tons or 7 times more than that carried by conventional helicopters, for distances of up to 1,200 miles at a speed of 45 knots.

Measuring 500 ft. across, the saucer-like blimp will be made with strong laminated fabric and fly using bio-diesal and solar energy, collected from the panels, placed on its surface. It will move with the help of propellers that are attached to a small control pod, suspended from a rod below the main blimp.

According to the developers, the disc-shape will not only make it easier to steer, allowing the Skylifter to carry heavy loads in any wind conditions, but also, acts like a parachute, allowing for graceful and smooth descents.

The company believes that the airships will be a great way to transport heavy equipment to remote regions, transport supplies and even entire hospitals to areas hit with disasters. They also envision it to be a tourist vehicle - kind of like a flying cruise where guests could slowly drift from one destination to another.

While it sounds great, there are still a few unknowns - The biggest ones being the feasibility of design and the cost of building something like this. To test the design, the company has built a prototype called Betty. Measuring 10-feet across, she can barely lift a pound. However, her primary goal is to demonstrate, that the design works.

Now, if they can only convince investors, we may be in for a real treat - Seeing these huge saucers carrying entire buildings across the globe!

sources:popsci.com,dailymail.co.uk,smh.co.au