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Large, Slow Airships Could Move Buildings

Posted by Soulskill on from the buncha-hot-air dept.

Algorithmnast writes "The Economist has a short article on using big, slow-moving airships to move large objects without the need to dismantle them. The company mentioned, Skylifter, refers to the lifting ship as an 'aerial crane,' not a Thor weapon. It could easily help move research labs to new parts of the Antarctic, or allow a Solar Tower to be inserted into an area that's difficult to drive to, such as a mesa in New Mexico."

12 of 184 comments (clear)

  1. But what happens when they... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...run into the building?

    Did anybody think of that?

    What was that show where the one building came alive, and to keep it happy they put it on tour?

    1. Re:But what happens when they... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Ease back on the LSD there friend. Ease back.

    2. Re:But what happens when they... by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 5, Funny

      But what happens when they ...run into the building?

      Did anybody think of that?

      No, you're just waaaaaaaaay smarter than the large group of people in this liability-happy society working on this project. What's it like being a highly sought after engineer?

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  2. Is the company called ACME? by Draconi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Because I know a very well educated coyote that would be really interested in this sort of innovative technology with his work in high speed pest control.

  3. Re:Pffft... That's nothing. by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yeah. And small, fast planes can move 'em, too!

    If you define your movement as descent on a vertical axis... :-)

    --
    "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
    Never been known to fail..."
  4. Goodbye Building Industry by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    And I thought local builders were relatively safe from outsourcing. Now it seems like China has a way to take another industry...

  5. Yeah, I saw that movie too. by SpiffyMarc · · Score: 5, Funny

    It was super sad when that dude's wife died. The talking dog was funny though. Wait, what?

  6. Re:Buildings falling from the sky by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Unless it's Xzibit putting a house in your house so you can be at home when you're at home, dawg.

  7. Re:Buildings falling from the sky by MBGMorden · · Score: 4, Funny

    That or the owner's pissed off sister is coming back to reclaim her shoes.

    --
    "People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain
  8. Fat chance by digitaldc · · Score: 2, Funny

    If obesity rates continue to climb in this country, we could be looking at a new way to commute to the local KFC/Taco Bell.

    --
    He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
  9. Re:Helium by Drakkenmensch · · Score: 2, Funny

    Those building will soar high above the skyline, just like the Hindenburg! Wait...

  10. Haar! That's just what we be needin'! by Greyfox · · Score: 2, Funny

    Me'n the crew 'ere took o'er this 'ere buildin' some 12 years ago now, matey! If it were just a wee bit more mobile, we could plunder and pillage other buildin's! We'll be in touch with this 'ere company an' then we'll set sail on the high plains, movin' from city to city an' plunderin' buildin's as we go! Haaarr!

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?