Aircruise

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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]

Contents

Specifications

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

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

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]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Seymourpowell unveils eco-friendly Aircruise design". Archived from the original on 2010-02-05. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  2. "Seymourpowell introduces the Aircruise - a clipper in the clouds". Archived from the original on 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  3. "Hydrogen Airship Fantasy". 4 February 2010.
  4. 1 2 The Aircruise: A Sustainable and Luxurious Way to Travel
  5. 1 2 News Australia
  6. Eaton, Kit. "Blimp My Ride: Luxury Eco-Zeppelin Does London to NYC in 37 Unforgettable Hours". Fast Company.
  7. Aircruise From London To New York In 37hrs (In Concept-Land Only)
  8. Aircruise: giant hydrogen airships could herald a new era in luxury travel
  9. 'Slow is the new fast' say the designers of cutting edge airship