The All-Electric Aether Luxury Airship by Mac Byers Could Usher In A New Era Of Air Travel.

The Aether Luxury Airship concept is the final year university project by Mac Byers for his Transport Design BA (Hons) at the University of Huddersfield.



A luxury cruise concept based upon an airship platform, the Aether allows passengers to travel at high speeds in luxury and provides them with some of the most breathtaking views available. The airship is based on the technology currently being developed by Aeroscraft.



For the exterior design, Byers studied things like Thunderbird 2, Star Wars and the NASA Space Shuttle - things that appeal to the young adult generation, the generation that may someday be the target market for the Aether. Wanting to communicate the green credentials of the all-electric Aether, Byers used clean colours like white and formed the main balloon into an aerodynamic and wing-like shape. This also visually communicates that this is a new type of airship. One that is safer and cleaner than airships like the Hindenburg of the 20th century.





Lobby:

Bar:

Dining:

Kitchen:

Bedroom:





Storage:


For the interior, Byers wanted the same efficient aesthetic. To communicate that, he went for a lightweight theme expressed by such innovations as floating surfaces and cable stairways, influenced by strong suspension bridge cables.





This airship is based on the technology currently being developed by Aeroscraft, a company presently developing modern airships. This means it uses its engines as its primary source of lift, while using the Helium to simply offset the weight of the load. It also has an air ballast system allowing the crew to regulate the total weight of the craft by compressing air.



The modelling and rendering was done in 3DS Max with Mental Ray. After Effects was used for the exterior environments and smoke. Byers then used Sony Vegas for the final editing.

Designer Mac Byers is currently just about to graduate from the University of Huddersfield where he's been studying for a degree in Transport Design BA (Hons).  With a life-long interest in both cars and visual effects, Byers loved watching films like Jurassic Park and reading magazines like Top Gear. In the future he hopes to work in a field that allows him to follow his passion for both good design and excellent visual communication.

See more of his work here.

If This Van's A Rockin' Don't Come A Knockin - Unless You're Dressed In Black Tie. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter With Luxury Bedroom.

This Mercedes Benz Sprinter Passenger Van has been given the royal treatment by Lexani Motorcars who specializes in outfitting coaches and appointing them with custom amenities and materials that rival the finest luxury jets and yachts. All the fancy schmancy items you can think of from wireless Apple iPad integration to a platinum grille are available options. Orthopedic mattresses, Bose Home theater system, a full bar, 46" 3D tv, a Playstation 3 (blu-ray) can all be wrapped up in this van complete with secure armor on the perimeter if someone is out to shoot you.

Sleek, Solar, Sexy and Super High Tech. The Latest Images of The Code-X Yacht.

The "CODE-X Yacht" was featured in its early stages on just about every design blog years ago. Since then, it's actually come to reality and I wanted to share the latest images of the "Next Generation CODE-X Yacht" with you. (Info, specs and earlier images of the yacht are after the newest photos).
















CODE-X AG and SILICON-FIRE AG bring drive technology to a new level with the Next Generation CODE-X Yacht.

From the Code-X site:
CODE-X AG, the swiss company based in Meggen on Lake Lucerne, started with the goal of developing products with maximum exclusivity that use renewable energy sources to serve a common good in the mid to long term and serial production maturity subsequent to further development.




These high-end products with added value go far beyond the common perception of luxury goods. The brand represents well developed and technologically exceptional concepts and products which have an obligation to the environment. They also give their buyers a role as pioneer and frontrunner on the path to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future.

The CODE-X-YACHT is the first product to celebrate its world premiere this year with a synthesis of solar technology and Formula 1 engines meeting the highest standards.









Early photos:






THE YACHT

The uncompromisingly designed yacht, built by international leading experts, symbolises a dream come true.

CODE-X unites radical purism, the optimal benefit of renewable energy and the sheer power of a racing machine in one boat.

A flexible solar hybrid propulsion system enables both quiet, environmentally friendly cruising in ports and coastal areas as well as the pleasure of high speeds on open waters!

deck layout:


Interior layout:


CURRENT SPECIFICATIONS

Engines:
2 x Ilmor marine combustion engines MV10-710
Configuration : 90 degree V 10
Horsepower : 2 x 710 HP
Torque : 882 Nm @ 4800 rpm
Full throttle rpm range: 5400 - 6300
Capacity: 2 x 8.3 liters
Performance: 90 kn
2 x electric engines

Source of Energy:
Fossil fuel (2 tanks)
Solar-power

Length: 47ft 7in (14.50m)
Engine: Twin 710hp Ilmor engines and twin electric/solar drives
Top speed: 90 knots
Price: On application


Motor Boat & Yachting had this to say about it:
The Code-X presents the helmsman with a terrible ethical dilemma. You can either use the environmentally impeccable solar/hybrid drive, which gives a cruising speed of just a few knots, or you can turn the key on twin 710hp Ilmor engines, combined with ZF Trimax propeller drives, for a considerably sexier but not-quite-so-green 90 knots. Despite MBY's heartfelt commitment to combating global warming, we know which we'd chose.

Either way, this ultra-modern machine is a far cry from the electric plodders occasionally seen on the UK's rivers and canals. Controlled throughout by touch screen, the Swiss design boasts a Kevlar/carbon shell with phototropic-shaded screens and windows, one of which raises to let the cocooned passengers, or should that be astronauts, out into the fresh air.

Inside an LED illumination system "ensures optimal night viewing" and there is solar-powered air-con and a whirlpool bath. Don't worry if you think all that black carbon is going to heat up in the Med sunshine: the deck is UV-resistant with a heat-repellent shell and you can opt for a lighter shade hull.

Code-X are also lining up a new racing series called Formula Clean. They will manufacture, at their own expense and parallel to the production of the limited Code-X leisure series, another fleet of seven boats carrying only renewable energy. Sounds like quite a fun way to save the planet.


CODE-X AG
Naumatthalde 9 & 11
CH-6045 Meggen
Switzerland

Phone +41 41 378 09 88
Fax +41 41 378 09 89
hs@code-x.ch

Like angular sexy super yachts? Then check out the lustworthy Wally Power 118 Superyacht.