Unusual Transport

Some day, no doubt, the likes of ocean cruise liners, tankers and large cargo ships, and flying machines like jet air planes and helicopters, will seem dated and dinosaur like in their ability to convert energy to motion. Here are two examples of the new wave of machines which may some day alter the way we move around.

First, this strange boat which can cross the Atlantic on a tank of diesel.

Then there's this plan for a luxury air cruise liner which is to be a kind of blimp/jet hybrid, which could take off and land just about anywhere without the need for long runways. It's not clear to me from the article if it saves energy in any way, but perhaps it indicates a new direction of possibility.

"Unlike its dirigible ancestors, the Aeroscraft is not lighter than air. Its 14 million cubic feet of helium hoist only two thirds of the craft's weight. The rigid and surprisingly aerodynamic body—driven by huge rearward propellers—generates enough additional lift to keep the behemoth and its 400-ton payload aloft while cruising. During takeoff and landing, six turbofan jet engines push the ship up or ease its descent."

Full story here.