Hashem Al-Ghaili/ YouTube
A concept video of the Sky Cruise, a giant plane that can carry 5,000 passengers and has all the luxuries of the world, has gone viral on internet. The creator of the video claims an aircraft built in the future will have zero carbon emissions, The Independent reports.
The concept of a floating world itself is not new and has been described in Jonathan Swift from 18th century, long before the Wright brothers made their first flight. Anime fans may also have discovered the concept in the 1986 Japanese film, Castle in the Sky.
While such references in the past have relied on the “material virtues” that make up the world to endow them with such flying powers, the concept, as presented above, borrows from modern technology to project a possible future.
What can one expect on the Sky Cruise?
Passengers who intend to visit this Sky Cruise can either charter planes or simply book a ticket on a commercial airline that can land on this aircraft. Once on cruise, guests can enjoy the view from many viewing decks, like the disc-shaped observation tower built on aircraft, while restaurants & bars would cater to food & drink needs. The giant ship will also have a cinema, theater & game room for those looking for occasional entertainment and even a place to hold weddings, The Independent said in its report.
The ship will be controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), the ship is not only capable of predicting storms, but is also very good at reading weather conditions so that it can glide and provide a smooth experience for the passengers on board.
According to the video’s director, Hashem Al-Ghaili, the Sky Cruise will be powered by 20 electric engines that will help the plane hover in the sky. Powered by nuclear fusion, the ship will be able to float for years together, all with zero carbon emissions.
Al-Ghaili said, “I think the current flying experience has become tiresome & outdated. It’s time for new improvements to make our flight experience more comfortable. I’ve always been a fan of Studio Ghibli. Castle in the Sky is one of my favorite movies where you see giant flying ships with people living inside them.”
In this video, Al Ghaili envisioned a world where flying was more than just fighting for leg space. When asked about a possible date for a flight in the near future, Al-Ghaili was convinced it wasn’t too far off. “I would choose the 2030s or the 2040s at the latest. All we need is enough energy to take-off. That’s why nuclear power is part of the design. I think it is only a matter of time before powerful nuclear reactors become small enough to fit-inside aircraft that size. “
The animator also added that since this small reactor is in place, all it needs to do is the aerodynamics of the flight.
What does the internet think about the design?
According to Cruisehive, Al-Ghaili was not recognized for designing the airship and said it was built by Tony Holmsten a few years ago. Al-Ghaili only animates, designs and edits videos illustrating what it’s like to have real world sky cruise, which he calls “Flytanic”.
While some were impressed with the vision of the aircraft, many were skeptical that something like this could fly. One YouTuber pointed out how big the runway had to be for a cruise to take off, but in fact other ships probably wouldn’t have used it.
Another commented on the lack of details about the size of the ship, its weight or wingspan, and some of the basic parameters needed for it to be able to fly. Others were more sarcastic than critical, saying they could see the Sky Cruise fly if “physics & aerodynamics didn’t exist.” Another user said the concept is like assembling a “Titanic with Hindenburg and then putting a nuclear reactor on it.”
Al-Ghaili’s said, “I love them! Both the good side and the bad side. I’ve read and continue to read a lot. It’s nice to see people pointing it out. design flaws and try to give them solutions, this is necessary to make it more perfect. A few design tweaks and we have a giant flying hotel that one day can roam our skies. “
