Creature comfort: the British 'safari jet' that transforms into a plush viewing platform

There are some people who want the comforts of home with them - even when 'roughing it' on safari in Africa. For these five-star campers, BAE Systems and Design Q have come up with the ultimate in travel luxury. The four-engined Avro Business Jet Explorer Four has been designed to land on short runways and uneven landing strips, delivering its wealthy passengers directly into wildlife areas.

Then, with the flick of a switch, a door on the side of the jet opens and a viewing platform extends from the fuselage - offering spectacular open-air views.

Plane for the plains: With the flick of a switch, the jet transforms into an open-air viewing platform for passengers. At a cool £16m, however, its only for the elite traveller

For a cool £16 million, A-list animal lovers will get the chance to by the 'safari jet', which has room for two pilots and eight passengers and crew.

Inside the aircraft, a galley kitchen can deliver gourmet meals to an eight-seat dining area, and large sofas fold out to provide on-board beds.

To top it all off, once passengers have had their fill of the good life and wildlife in any given area, they simply transform the aircraft back into its 'flying mode' and jet off to the next destination.
Opulence: As the sun sets on their exotic landing ground, passengers can relax in their spacious living area, complete with comfy sofas, as the crew serves them cool drinks

Made to order: Further into the aircraft, a dining area and sleeping quarters can be found. Marble flooring and state-of-the-art entertainment systems can also be included

The 100ft aircraft is being built to order in the UK, and a spokesman for BAE/Design Q says the aircraft will 'offer a new level of sophistication for the discerning customer'.

With marble floors and quality finishes throughout, the interiors can be modified and designed to suit the individual needs of the owner.

For more remote locations and rougher landing grounds, the jet can be fitted with stronger and bigger tyres, and the fuselage can be strengthened to cope with the extra strain.

The finished product, will look like these images, based on BAE designs.
Floor plan: One proposed configuartion of the 'safari jet', including dining room, lounge suite and viewing area