Hybrid Airships to cross the Atlantic in 2 days saving 80% fuel

Post date: Feb 22, 2011 9:35:35 PM

The difference is radical says Michael Stewart, chief executive of World SkyCat Ltd, a British company which has designed a new air vehicle, the SkyLiner.

"The breakthrough is to combine the airplane with the airship, creating a hybrid," Stewart said

"An airship of our kind, carrying let's say 200 tons or more, with its air-cushioned landing system is able to land without any runways -- on tundra and semi-rough ground," Stewart said

There is no runway; there is no need. Once clearance is given for take-off, the captain disengages the hover cushions that suck the craft to the ground, directs the thrust of four 8,000hp engines down, and

powers the ship up to 9,000ft.

300 Passengers,

2 days London - NY

Unquestionably, the big market will be in cargo. One is regular freight, where you're essentially competing with 747s

Undaunted, he points to recent orders secured by rival company, UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd who last year won a contract to build a similar hybrid airship for the U.S. military contractor Northrop Grumman.

--Michael Stewart, World SkyCat Ltd