Aircruise is a concept hydrogen airship envisioned as the combination of cruise ship and luxury hotel,[1] designed by the UK company Seymourpowell. Its design director is Nick Talbot. It has attracted the attention of Samsung Construction and Trading, for whom a concept video was produced.[1] [2] It was later revealed that the concept was a publicity stunt by Seymourpowell, and nothing like this concept could ever work.[3]
The Aircruise would be a solar and hydrogen fuel cell-powered airship.[4] According to its design specifications, it would be 265m (869feet) tall containing 330000m2 of air and would carry a payload of 396t. It was "designed" to carry about 100 passengers with a flight crew of 6, 2 of whom are flight engineers, and another 14 supporting staff to look after passengers.[5] The airship will use large Polymer Electrolyte Membrane hydrogen-power fuel cells to power in-flight electricity and drinking water.[6]
It would have glass floors for passengers to view the land and sea beneath.[7]
Its land speed would depend on the wind, but it would supposedly be capable of traveling at 100km/h150km/h, in calm conditions.[5]
The Aircruise concept received generally favourable criticism, much to the embarrassment of reporters when the hoax was revealed. For example, The Daily Telegraph stated that it could herald a new era of luxury travel.[8] Coverage in The Scotsman welcomed it as attractive for its environmental friendliness.[9]
Ordinary cruise ships release three times as much greenhouse gas as a Boeing 747 per passenger and 36 times as much as the Eurostar.[1] The Aircruise was thus claimed to be an eco friendly alternative, with its zero emission design.[1] [4]