AN enormous nuclear-powered “Skytanic” hotel, complete with a gym and a swimming pool, can stay airborne for months at a time.
A CGI concept video details how the plane cruise intends to carry 5,000 guests while offering 360-degree views and an “epitome of luxury“.
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The futuristic hybrid between a plan and hotel will be able to cruise above the clouds without ever touching the ground.
Thanks to a small nuclear reactor, the plane can be powered by 20 electric engines without stopping for refuel.
Even maintenance and repair can be done while flying as not to disrupt the journey – a first in aviation.
Hashem Al-Ghaili, who created the incredibly detailed mockup of the monster aircraft, says the nuclear-powered sky cruise “could be the future of transport”.
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He also claims the gigantic plane could be fully autonomous.
Despite plans for a man-less ride, the Cruise will still require plenty of staff on board to be at every passengers beck and call.
The sky hotel has everything from a cinema to a shopping mall to keep the guests entertained during the never-ending flight.
The main deck promises restaurants, bars, children’s playgrounds, a gym and a theatre – all in the sky.
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In case of emergency, the Skytanic provides a medical facility with the state-of-the-art equipment.
The concept goes beyond imagination even offering people to take a swim above the clouds with a swimming pool onboard.
For even more memorable experience, adventurous couples can tie a knot in the Skytanic’s wedding hall.
And it would be perfect as the Sky Cruise offers a panoramic hall, offering breath-taking 360 degree views of the outside.
All floors are connected by two external lifts that open up to the skyline and nature outside too.
If cloud-watching becomes repetitive, passengers have an option of taking a flight to leave.
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Getting off the cruise won’t require an extreme solution of skydiving with a parachute.
Instead, an external lift can take them directly to a commercial plane or a private jet that docks with the Sky hotel.
For those scared of flying due to turbulence, the AI system of the Sky Hotel claims to be able to anticipate and prevent it.
It will employ a technology similar to noise cancellation to even out the bumps so guests can “glide over the vibrations with ease”.
If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because for now it is.
The plane concept extends beyond the current technological possibilities.
For the giant aircraft to take off, it would need a huge runway that doesn’t exist at the moment.
In addition, modifications to air navigation protocols would be necessary to guarantee that other aircraft avoid its path.
Despite the greatness promised, not everyone is on board with the idea.
Some have called the Sky Cruise concept the ‘new Titanic‘, pointing out a plethora of issues with its design.
The huge aeroplane would have trouble taking off, and would be far from being aerodynamic.
Others also pointed out faults with its weight, saying that if an aircraft powered by a nuclear reactor crashed, it could destroy a city.
One nervous passenger said: “Great idea putting a nuclear reactor in something that could malfunction and fall out of the sky.”
And, the massive development cost is also another concern.
Some predicted that a trip like this would cost a fortune, saying: “This thing would be super expensive and no doubt only rich would be able to book this hotel.”
While someone else commented: ” I’m sure I would be able to afford a ticket for the lowest deck with no leg space and no access to the lounge.”
But Al-Ghalli believes that aviation engineering will catch up to his vision and it’s “only a matter of time”.
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“I imagined a world where flying from one place to another turned into a joyous experience, rather than fighting for leg space,” he told CNN.
“Disruptive concepts like this one inspire change, and help us push humanity forward.”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
