What a funky idea.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12757794/?GT1=8307

This giant hybrid blimp/aircraft part of Darpa's walrus program, seems like it will be a useful addition to our fleet of aircraft.

This monstrosity of an aircraft will be at least 300 feet long, or roughly 100 meters.
Like wise it should be able to lift about 100 to 500 (non-metric) tons in its underbelly.
It should also be able to have a Vtol capacity, which makes it easier to land then a comparable sized plane. (I'm looking at you Airbus.)

Unfortunately its seems that DARPA has cut all funding for the program.
Like so many good ideas before it, this too has been pushed to the side.
Yet it seems that there are some good Samaritan out there.
I hear that a cooperation has taken up this idea and is pursing it.
Soon perhaps other deserving projects will be reacused from the scrap yard of ideas by these great Samaritans.