The Plimp airship-aeroplane hybrid is now available to pre-order
The Plimp is described as a plummet-proof aircraft with the lift of a plane, the control of a helicopter and the buoyancy of a blimp.
A prototype of the Plimp…
The Plimp is described as a plummet-proof aircraft with the lift of a plane, the control of a helicopter and the buoyancy of a blimp.
A prototype of the Plimp was launched last year. Now, Egan Airships is taking pre-orders for its eight-passenger Model J to crowdfund manufacturing, development and production.
A spokesperson for Egan Airships told FINN: “With 14 patents, Plimp is a new class of airship, with a proprietary combination of helium and dynamic rotary wings, enabling it to hover, dip, ascend, bank or spin. If engines are turned off it will float gently to the ground. With its vertical take-off and landing, it can lift off or land just about anywhere.”
The Model J Plimp is expected to cost between $4 million (£3.13 million) and $6 million (£4.69 million) plus overages, to be paid in installments of $1million (£0.78 million) per year for four years. Interested buyers are asked to provide proof they have $10 million (£7.82 million) in liquid assets to qualify.
Uses
The airship can land anywhere and Egan Airships says it is suitable for both private and commercial use, such as tourism and commuter transport. The company says it could provide a more cost-effective option to a helicopter in some instances.
The Model J Plimp can carry up to ten people, including pilots, and up to a ton in weight (2,000 pounds). Its maximum speed is 93 mph with a best cruise speed of 63mph – at the latter speed, the airship can cruise for over five hours.
The Plimp was designed by Daniel P. Raymer, a well-known expert in the fields of aircraft conceptual design, design engineering and aircraft configuration and layout. Rayner is also the author of Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, now in its 5th edition.
Watch this video for more information about the Plimp:
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