Air Ray: The Blimp With Wings

Posted by Ali S. in Arts & Crafts, Science & Tech, Video Clips on June 1, 2008 at 10:44 am


The folks at Festo, who work on pneumatic and electrical automation technology, seem to have a lot of spare time on their hands as they can ply their trade on various fun projects like Air Ray. From their product page here is a little snippet of what makes it work:

Air_ray, modelled on the manta ray, is a remote-controlled hybrid construction consisting of a helium-filled ballonet and a beating wing drive. Its light design makes it possible for it to “swim” in the sea of air, boosted by helium, in a similar way to the manta ray in water.

I could really imagine having a couple of these gliding in a large conference hall right above my head. Gracefully swimming here and there. Further info can be found here about Festo’s Air Ray – [Link].

YouTube – [Link]


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17 comments to "Air Ray: The Blimp With Wings"

  1. Tom
    June 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am

    I wonder how long until they make a passenger version of this?

    Hell, that wouldn't make too bad of a flying car. It did look pretty graceful.

  2. Fritz
    June 1st, 2008 at 11:27 am

    Give it a 15 MPH crosswind and then lets see how gracefull it is.

  3. Christophe
    June 1st, 2008 at 11:57 am

    Mmmm... Put a corporate logo/ad on it, fly it in the nearest mall on a week-end and cash in the novelty...

  4. linty
    June 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm

    flight of the navigator?

  5. Archbob
    June 1st, 2008 at 1:35 pm

    Will there be more UFO sightings now?

  6. Brian
    June 1st, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    I think these are supposed to be prototypes for passenger and cargo blimps later.

  7. avraamov
    June 1st, 2008 at 2:16 pm

    aaaah Festo! the finest power tools in the world.

  8. Jimbo
    June 1st, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    That explains a lot of price increases they have been having.

  9. SenorMysterioso
    June 1st, 2008 at 5:02 pm

    very neat, soon to be flying around a stadium im sure

  10. Bret
    June 1st, 2008 at 5:42 pm

    Looks like another prop for Jimmy Buffett concerts! :-P

  11. avraamov
    June 1st, 2008 at 7:12 pm

    @jimbo

    yeah - i hope this isn't a prototype for a new router.

  12. DOJ
    June 1st, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    i assume its supported by neutrally buoyancy, so how would it deal with changes in temperature/pressure outdoors?

  13. aerialproducts
    June 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 am

    We can help you determine the right product for your needs, by answering the big questions like:- Should I use a blimp at a trade show? How large a blimp do I need to be seen from a half mile away? Should I use a point and shoot style camera or a Digital SLR? Do I use digital graphics on my RC blimp, or banner attachments?
    Advertising Balloons Get You Noticed. From Outdoor Blimps to Indoor Spheroids for Trade Shows, Blimps, Balls and Custom Shapes Bring Customers To Your Business.

  14. Scared of Rays
    June 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    I would be really creeped out if several of these were gliding overhead in a conference hall. Maybe I've played too many video games.

    Also, aerialproducts: die and go to hell

  15. Ali S.
    June 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm

    @ Scared of Rays

    Wouldn't it be a little bit more creepy if they emitted a slight ominous hum as they float over you slowly? ;)

  16. DOJ
    June 3rd, 2008 at 1:09 am

    @Ali - even creepier if the followed you but only moved when you weren't facing them

  17. Ali S.
    June 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    @ DOJ

    You mean kinda like the Boo's from Mario? Ha!


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