Wow what a concept, never heard about this before. New designs and techonlogy are always welcome and needed, hope they get lift-off.
Remnant of the cold war... Back in the cold war, the Russians were very interested in WIG aircraft. They ended up getting the aviation equivalent of the IMO (basically the international powers that be in aviation) to accept that there would be 3 different classes of WIG aircraft. Class 1 is always in ground effect, class 2 up to 400' (bottom of controlled airspace in lots of places) and class 3 capable of true flight. The class 2 variants were meant to be able to run down a river, and if there was a bridge, hop over it. Class 3 is subject to full aircraft certification requirements, but (and this is the key part) class 2 is defined as a boat, not an aircraft. So the economics is quite different, less training, less inspections, etc. So one can build an airplane, declare it a Class 2 WIG, and play under a unique set of rules. This is the first time I've seen it done with a lighter than air platform, it's an interesting concept. It will be interesting to see where this goes!
The picture on the first page of the link reminds me of something out of a Wallace and Gromit episode.......
Heh, back in the 90s I switched careers and studied aerospace engineering. One of the emphasis I mused with was with lighter than air designs because that was supposed to be the new industry for the 21st century; i.e. lighter than air luxury liners floating across North America. The only school at the time offering courses in dirigible design was San Jose State University. I came within a heartbeat of signing up, but begged off due to circumstances beyond my control. Also, ironically enough, some history here, the US Navy had a couple of lighter than air "carriers" that sported biplanes. Both were based out of Ames airfield (now NASA Ames), about 15 to 20 minutes south from where I live (traffic depending). The hangars are still there, but the blimps are long since gone. I think the Russians have a "hotel" in the works that's either a massive helo or a lighter than air design. Me, I think it's a novelty, more than anything else. People want to go to places, not putz around in the air. They want cruises via the water where they can dock and get out for a bit to stretch their legs, not float about. Just my opinion. Still, it would be interesting to cruise in one for a couple of weeks. Just me
I do not call that a yacht, for sure not. Neither we ever call a private Jet as Yacht. I think only in Star Wars they call Naboo Yacht Cruiser wonderful chromed airplane such. For me it is just a small Zeppelin, neither a Blimp, but can be. The Zeppelins had in the beginning other century Restaurant, lounges and Cabins inside, and for such they were called Airships. So, this is nothing new, maybe for a private. Then for me the denomination best which fits is Private Airship, or Private Zeppelin, because many Blimps were already Private from just one owner. The revived Friedrichshaven Zeppelin company in Constance Lake made some, but I think just one was sold to Japan, the others made some Shows or Small Passenger Tours then. It was expensive and not that successful, even with better technologies made. Then the Cargo Airlift near Brandenburg went bankrupcy and today is a big pool club inside for Tourists. so... don't think this will get a chance to survive further.
D-Dalus aircraft How about this 'Star Wars' flying machine? How D-Dalus Flies Like Nothing Else | Popular Science
Flying yacht Catalina PBY wreck in Saudi Arabia has sat for 50 years. An interesting little story. Catalina N5593V Catalina N5593V Flying Boat Abandoned In Saudi Arabia - YouTube
Grumman Goose may go into production again! This plane has always been a classic, and the fact there's serious focus on restarting production is great. I'd love to have a chance to experience one from the right seat! Antilles Seaplanes, The Official Website for the G-21G Super Goose
The Goose was popular for a while with the round engines and the rugged looks but had plenty problems and crashes over the years. One of my co-workers died in a crash over in the Middle East attempting to ferry a turbo-goose back to the home country. Once ya modify a WW2 airplane with turbine engines you may be sticking yer neck too far out. Being an old DC-3 Captain I am all for keeping old birds alive and even producing them again, if it makes sense and if it is safe. In this case it probably is not without extensice engineer and structural analysis. (To certify the old (new) design under a grand-father clauses does not count)
Are these the seaplanes that used to 'land' at Charlotte Amalie harbour in the USVI? They came really close to the boats and cruiseships sometimes. My photos of them were mostly spray.
My father flew PBYs in WWII. He was in VP-33 which primarily flew night bombing missions. The planes were painted flat black hence the name Black Cats. There aren't many planes or pilots left anymore sad to say. He died two years ago on Christmas Eve.
Goose thoughts Interesting points! I wasn't aware of the crash history... or I should say I was aware but chalked it up to the crash record of flying boats in general. Add salt water to the equation and there's a slew of recurring maintenance issues too. I think the whole "flying boat" concept is great, the old Pan Am clippers must have been a hoot. But the reality is that flying boats are a real challenge at just about every stage of the life cycle, which is probably why you just don't see them that much.
another Flying Yacht Concept How about this concept vessel... Flying Yacht Concept Has the Industry Buzzing - YouTube Mon Voile Mag , Archive Emmène-moi sur ton bateau volant
