A high-flying new luxury yacht is designed to fly rather than sail.
The Air-Yacht features all the trappings of a prestige boat, but takes to the sky thanks to two huge blimps.
Lazzarini Design Studio explain: “The Air-Yacht is not an airship for public transportation or touristic purposes, it is conceived for a private owner with a vision of mega yacht/aviation evolution.”
The two blimps are connected through four carbon bridges on each side to the main central structure.
A so-called ‘inflatable basement’ allows the vehicle to float on the surface of water when required.
The Air-Yacht's twin blimps contain 400,000m³ of compressed helium propelled by eight counter-rotating electric engines. Powered from ultra-light batteries and solar panels, the craft could fly at a maximum speed of 60 knots for more than 48 hours consequently.
Passengers can enjoy a central area incorporating a spacious living room with dining area. There are also five suites for passengers available on each blimp side, with sky window view and a special ‘shipowner suite’ placed in the centre with a 360° view.
The length overall of the dry carbon fibre structure is 150 metres, with a width of 80 metres, while the main central deck measures 80 metres in length and 10 metres wide.
An optional extra allows a helicopter to rest on the structure for flying visits to local destinations.
When a water landing is required, Lazzarini say: “The Air-Yacht is pushed down from the rotation of the engines and can stand in the water through a depressurisation of helium and ballast anchor system. It can sail quietly in the water with a speed of five knots.”
