Worldwide Aeros Says Yes

And now, for something completely different.

Are you a successful businessperson, who wants to travel in comfort... and make a statement like no other on the airport ramp? Perhaps, then, a business jet isn't for you; not even one of those new-fangled VLJs. No, what you may desire instead is a corporate airship.

At least, Worldwide Aeros thinks so. According to the company's website, the Aeroscraft ML866 will "create a new paradigm in air transport ... an aircraft that utilizes a combination of buoyant and dynamic lift creating unique operational capabilities beyond what is available from any other air platform today."

Billed as a "private air yacht," the Aeroscraft will sport a 155 mph top speed; a 12,000-foot operating altitude, with a range of 3,100 miles; and an incredible 5,382 cubic feet of floor area -- on par with Boeing's gargantuan 747-8 VIP bizjet.

"The remarkable idea grew out of the belief that there is a more comfortable and safer way to fly than simply applying luxury to an existing airframe and re-naming it," Worldwide Aero pointedly says.

Set to be launched next month, the Aeroscraft certainly isn't going to give a Cessna Citation X a run for its money in any speed contests... but for someone looking to float across the sky in style, this may just be the way to go. Stay tuned.

FMI: www.aerosml.com/aeroscraft_ML866.asp