Aviation Innovation - The Plimp
Engineers Combined Plane, Blimp, Helicopter Aircraft Source: Egan Aircraft 5 Prototype Plimps Plimp Hybrid Airship This is a brand new form of aircraft. The engineering formula is combining a blimp, plane and a few helicopter features. The innovation is the lighter than air Plimp flying hybrid. It's the creation of Egan Aircraft of Seattle, Washington. Specs This is a 169 foot aircraft that can carry 2 pilots and 8 other passengers. Flight dynamics are thanks to a helium filled blimp like body, gas-electric hybrid engines and rotational wings with propellers. It can be used to fly passengers and goods. When filled to capacity, it can go 86 mph for 3 hours. When empty of goods or passengers, it can go 1300 miles or from Dallas to LA nonstop. Fascinating but Expensive Aviation Innovation What's particularly fascinating is Egan Aircraft CEO Jim Egan says this is safer than other aircraft. The Plimp's helium decreases any unpow...