Aeroscraft ML866 (66-ton payload) Airship Reaches System Level ‘Design Freeze’ Phase

WORLD’S LARGEST AIRCRAFT, REVOLUTIONARY SELF-BALLASTING AEROSCRAFT CARGO AIRSHIP, NOW IN DEVELOPMENT IN CALIFORNIA


The Aeroscraft Corporation (Aeros) today revealed another milestone completed in the development of the world’s first Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capable heavy-lift cargo airship, the Aeroscraft, featuring independence from external ballast. Following the engineering scale down prototype "Dragon Dream" phase of the program, the team at Aeros is now entering the design freeze phase for the ML866 (66-ton) Aeroscraft cargo airship. Aeros is currently developing main component and test articles for the patented buoyancy management system known as COSH, or control-of-static-heaviness, as well as structural components for the operational Aeroscraft with 66-ton payload. The advanced aircraft now taking shape is unique in terms of its capability, size, cargo handling and propulsion, featuring infrastructure independence with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability at max payload. COSH is Aeros’ proprietary and patented internal buoyancy management technology, which was successfully demonstrated in 2013 as part of DoD ‘Project Pelican’ with the technology demonstration vehicle measuring approximately 1:2 scale, known as ‘Dragon Dream.’

Aeros is planning to complete the configuration ‘design freeze’ for the 66-ton payload capable Aeroscraft by end of 2015 as part of fleet development efforts now underway to satisfy global demand for the vehicle’s new logistics capabilities. “We are excited to reveal production is underway on the 555-ft long ML866, and committed to achieving FAA operational certification for the first deployable Aeroscraft in approximately five years,” explains Igor Pasternak, CEO of Aeroscraft Corporation.

The Aeroscraft is a new heavy-lift, variable-buoyancy cargo airship featuring an onboard buoyancy management system, rigid structure, vertical takeoff and landing performance, and operational abilities at low speed, in hover, and from unprepared surfaces. Aeros’ unique and patented COSH technology breakthrough permits airships to efficiently address global cargo/logistics applications for the first time. This new capability will dramatically decrease the time and cost for delivering large ‘project’ and container cargo around the world, especially to austere areas with no pre-positioned infrastructure. Learn more at http://www.aeroscraft.com.

FAA AND AEROS REACH AGREEMENT ON PLAN FOR CERTIFICATION OF AEROS’ LATEST AIRSHIP, THE ‘40E SKY DRAGON’ LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON DC -

– Worldwide Aeros Corp. (Aeros), a California manufacturer of airships and aerostats operating with a FAA Production Certificate, announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Aeros have reached agreement on the plan for certification of Aeros’ latest airship, the ‘40E Sky Dragon.’ Aeros expects the 40E ‘Sky Dragon’ will enter flight testing in 2016, and complete the Type Certification process with regulatory authorities before entering global service. Applications for "Sky Dragon" include border security, surveillance, early warning, search and rescue operations, port security and maritime patrol, in addition to more traditional airship roles like advertising and event broadcast. About the ‘40E Sky Dragon:’ Aeros’ latest airship, was developed as the most advanced LTA aircraft for multi-role mission capabilities and global surveillance/ reconnaissance support, building on the performance strengths of the 40D ‘Sky Dragon’ airships in global operation since 2007. The aircraft will present mission advantages including vertical takeoff, increased sensory payload capability, and single pilot operation. Presenting extended time-onstation and operational cost advantages when delivering 360 perspective of the air and ground environment, Aeros’ long-loitering 40E airship features useful payload greater than one ton, and supports ISR mission success and efficiency with multi-payload mounting systems for radar, EO/IR cameras, remote sensing technology (LIDAR), and/or communications equipment. It has the following performance characteristics: The 40E presents the next generation of non-rigid, near-to-equilibrium airships, featuring: Fly-by-wire flight control technology, glass cockpit with optimized informational displays and ergonomics, and adaptive vector thrust system. New Weigh-off-on-Wheels (WoW) landing gear design allows pilot acquisition of realtime static lift data during takeoff, and dampening control for smoother landings, while the aircraft’s revolutionary robotic ground handling and mooring system slashes ground handling requirements and operational expenses. http://nadats.com/home/skydragon/