Estolas Project Estolas: Hybrid aircraft can land on any surface and has a helium compartment underneathEstolas Project
A flying vehicle that combines the best features of airplanes, helicopters, airships, seaplanes and hovercrafts (also called hydrofoils). The idea may seem complex, but it could be achieved if a project funded by the European Union, called Estolas—for extremely short take off and landing all surface—proves successful. According to its designers, this hybrid aircraft could revolutionize aviation and reduce the cost of air travel. Designed to land on any surface, including at sea, on snow or on marshland, it requires no airports and will be able to carry much more cargo than conventional helicopters. The model inherits turbines from aircraft and rotors from helicopters. Helium containers in a large circular compartment underneath the aircraft will give it extra lift, as with airships. By April 2014 a scaled, remote-control prototype should be able to fly. The project, with funding of €708,000, is coordinated by the Technical University of Riga, Latvia.
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