Aircruise
Aircruise is a concept hydrogen airship envisioned as the combination of cruise ship and luxury hotel,[1] designed by the UK company Seymourpowell. Its design director is Nick Talbot. It has attracted the attention of Samsung Construction and Trading, for whom a concept video was produced.[1][2] It was later revealed that the concept was a publicity stunt by Seymourpowell, and nothing like this concept could ever work.[3]
Specifications
[edit]The Aircruise would be a solar and hydrogen fuel cell-powered airship.[4] According to its design specifications, it would be 265 m (869 ft) tall containing 330,000 m3 (12,000,000 cu ft) of air and would carry a payload of 396 t (390 long tons; 437 short tons). It was "designed" to carry about 100 passengers with a flight crew of 6, 2 of whom are flight engineers, and another 14 supporting staff to look after passengers.[5] The airship will use large Polymer Electrolyte Membrane hydrogen-power fuel cells to power in-flight electricity and drinking water.[6]
It would have glass floors for passengers to view the land and sea beneath.[7]
Its land speed would depend on the wind, but it would supposedly be capable of traveling at 100 to 150 km/h (62 to 93 mph), in calm conditions.[5]
Critical response
[edit]The Aircruise concept received generally favourable criticism, much to the embarrassment of reporters when the hoax was revealed. For example, The Daily Telegraph stated that it could herald a new era of luxury travel.[8] Coverage in The Scotsman welcomed it as attractive for its environmental friendliness.[9]
Eco friend
[edit]Ordinary cruise ships release three times as much greenhouse gas as a Boeing 747 per passenger and 36 times as much as the Eurostar.[1] The Aircruise was thus claimed to be an eco friendly alternative, with its zero emission design.[1][4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Seymourpowell unveils eco-friendly Aircruise design". Archived from the original on 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ "Seymourpowell introduces the Aircruise - a clipper in the clouds". Archived from the original on 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ "Hydrogen Airship Fantasy". 4 February 2010.
- ^ a b The Aircruise: A Sustainable and Luxurious Way to Travel
- ^ a b News Australia
- ^ Eaton, Kit. "Blimp My Ride: Luxury Eco-Zeppelin Does London to NYC in 37 Unforgettable Hours". Fast Company.
- ^ Aircruise From London To New York In 37hrs (In Concept-Land Only)
- ^ Aircruise: giant hydrogen airships could herald a new era in luxury travel
- ^ 'Slow is the new fast' say the designers of cutting edge airship