A Blimp of One's Own

Flying on jets is so blase. The future, as the knew way back in first quarter of the 1900s, is the dirigible. And now, companies are eying the airship market as fertile ground for executive flying, particularly when you have to get the entire office from one place to another and they demand the ultimate in style. Seriously: How cool would it be to have your own blimp? First person to mention The Hindenburg gets a demerit.

The Aeroscraft ML866 is a hybrid of dirigible (bouyant lift with a lighter-than-air gas) and dynamic lift (akin to the way an airplane works). It tops out at a mere 155 miles per hour and 12,000 feet of altitude, but its 5,382 square foot interior is on par with a 747. It'll only take you a full day to cross the 3,100 mile range of the sky cruiser, but imagine the style you'll do it in! For more conventional use, the ML866 can be outfitted as a standard commuter vehicle, but where's the fun in that?

As well, vertical takeoff and landing means the ML866 is operable just about anywhere, provided you can find a place to park the 210-by-95-foot monster. More info and pictures are available here.

While the ML866 may sound a little pie in the sky (ha ha!), it will formally be launched next month. Production vehicles are probably years away, but the hopeful can start dreaming big right now... dreaming blimp big.