FlyShip: ‘Future of Transportation’ & Nightmare For Pirates
Photo credit: FlyShip
We keep finding stories on hybrid watercraft. We shared the motorbike-jetski amphibious called a Biski. Now we have a hybrid ship / plane machine.
And this craft even promises to fight pirates … maybe even pirates on Biskis.
(editor’s note: Click ‘Play’ to listen to the opening theme song from the TV show ‘Airwolf’ to fully enjoy this post)
The German engineering firm that has developed this concept calls it the ‘future of transportation’. FlyShip uses state-of-the-art technology to hover just above the water level and is capable of reaching speeds over 155mph (250km/h).
Current plans call for a cargo version to be initially produced. Designers are also working on a passenger version that can carry up to 100 people.
According the The Daily Mail, the FlyShip has a cabin space area of 1,500 square feet (140 square meters), is about 121 feet (37 meters) long and has a wingspan of 131 feet (40 meters). It hovers above the waves and land by creating a cushion of air under the ‘reversed delta wings’, propelling it from the ground.
Photo credit: FlyShip
Daniel Schindler, from FlyShip based near Freiburg, Germany, said:
“Instead of utilising a static air cushion underneath the hull and wings, FlyShip is mastering the physics of the ground effect.”
“Our vessels are riding on a dynamic air cushion which is produced by ram air under the reversed delta wings, lifting the body hull.”
“As a lifting aid we developed a temporary air cushion which is fed by a certain stream from the propeller, which is guided into a concealed chamber between the catamaran hulls.”
FlyShip also offers to be economical to operate. Compared to jetliners, FlyShip has a fuel consumption rate of 270 liters per hour. Jetliners average 3,300 liters per hour.
The potential uses for this flying hybrid include both civilian and military uses. FlyShip has even suggested using the craft to fight pirates. But the futuristic design makes us think one of FlyShip’s first costumers is most likely going to be a villain from a James Bond film.
H/T: The Daily Mail
