Congressman Mike Honda: Aeroscraft is U.S. Response to Enhanced Disaster Relief Capabilities
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) December 04, 2013 -- Rep. Mike Honda (D - Silicon Valley) highlighted recent advances in aviation technology to address future natural or man-made disasters, while reiterating his pledge to help Filipinos this weekend in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda in the Philippines). Honda has served as the US representative for California’s 17th district since 2001, which includes Silicon Valley and western San Jose, where it is estimated that his Filipino-American constituents number approximately 60,000. Honda stated Saturday:
"We’re doing research on Aeroscraft. It looks like a blimp (an old time dirigible). They design them so you can put material inside and carry a big load. It will be slow but it will get to the (disaster area) faster than you can get a ship to get there and more supplies than a helicopter can drop off. Aeroscraft can deliver in large bulks so they can take care of a large population at least within the first 36 to 48 hours. Because that’s when people die when you don’t respond appropriately. You can even build inventory on an annual basis."
Aeros’ newest vehicle, the Aeroscraft, will deliver opportunities for business and consumers globally through access to remote locations, and by its new VTOL cargo delivery capabilities. Aeros plans to have the first if its initial fleet of 22 vehicles ready for operation in 2016, in two different classes; the 66-ton capacity ML866 with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles and the 250-ton ML868 with a range up to 6,000 nautical miles. This fleet will operate on an ACMI lease model, providing services including aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.
The proof-of-design technology demonstration vehicle for the Aeroscraft was successful in establishing its internal variable buoyancy technology in January 2013, known as COSH or control-of-static-heaviness, and the advanced prototype demonstrated integration of this key technology with other innovative sub-systems during flight operations in the fall of this year. The demonstration of technological maturity now leads Aeros into fleet development for two configurations of the innovative aircraft this decade, a smaller 66-ton capacity vehicle (ML866), and a larger 250- ton capacity vehicle (ML868).
Rep. Honda serves on the House Appropriations Committee, and as a Member on the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations subcommittee.
"I am very appreciative of Rep. Honda and his colleagues for their leadership and continued support for a solution that can be of life-saving benefit to people around the world in times of great need," adds Igor Pasternak, CEO of Aeros and the Aeroscraft’s Chief Engineer. "This is a solution for humanity that only the U.S. can orchestrate, and one that I believe will be a beacon for U.S. innovation and empathy whenever and wherever it is called to serve."
John Kiehle, Worldwide Aeros, Corp., http://www.aeroscraft.com, (323) 201-8374, [email protected]
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