Flying With No Bottom

Jamie Trower

Acrophobia is defined by the Collins English Dictionary as an “abnormal fear or dread of being at a great height”. If you suffer from acrophobia, I wouldn’t recommend checking out British-based aerodynamic manufacturers, hybrid air vehicles (HAV) latest creation, the airlander. If heights don’t phase you, keep reading.

For years, HAV have worked on the idea of creating a blimp 92 metres-long and 44 metres-wide. The inside? Awesome, but scary for anyone who isn’t into heights. In collaboration with the UK-based Design Q, guests will be treated to massive bedrooms, ensuites and lounges. Basically, it’ll be the Hilton of the skies. The only kicker? The walls are made of glass. The floor too. Afraid of heights? Look away! The Airlander 10 is designed to take up to 19 passengers for a three-day excursion. It’ll have a cruising speed of 900 kilometres per hour and will have the ability to land and ascend off and on water. For it to be considered sky-worthy, the Airlander needs to successfully take 200 incident-free trips into the clouds, so it’s not known thus far when it will be formally launched.