British and US aeronautics experts unveiled plans Monday for a new generation of silent aircraft, designed to slash noise output while also slashing fuel consumption. The single wing aircraft, which looks a bit like a spaceship, would hold 250 passengers and use 25 percent less fuel than the current average, said its creators who hope to have it flying commercially by 2030.
The project “has been a great success in bringing many stakeholders together to study what an aircraft of the future might look like if very low noise was the primary requirement,” said Colin Smith from aircraft engine-making giant Rolls-Royce.
As well as cutting engine noise, the designers focused on adapting the structure of the aircraft, which is responsible for half of the noise a plane creates on landing.
To do this they created a single flying wing, with the body of the aircraft also functioning to give lift, allowing a slower approach which reduces noise as well as improving fuel efficiency at cruising altitudes.
The new plane also does away with flaps, a major source of noise, while the undercarriage has been simplified and its aerodynamics improved. The engines are mounted on the top of the aircraft, to screen much noise from the ground.
Great stuff. I look forward to following the progress of the project. Reducing noise pollution is an admirable and useful goal. Reducing fuel consumption at the same time is a plus.
Yes, it’s also a pretty snazzy looking craft.
Well I wouldn’t count on Boeing or Airbus to embark on such a project — it wouldn’t be good for next quarter’s stock price. (Yes I know Boeing was part of this group, but drawing pretty pictures and building an actual PLANE represent very different levels of commitment. Sonic Cruiser anyone?)
Look for this to come from China.
#1, Rob – Check this out, sent to me by a friend at Boeing.
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061027b_nr.html
This is col indeed. I live near Love field in Dallas and welcome news of efforts to reduce airplane noise (and increase fuel efficiency).
When I hear 2030, though, it’s a bit discouraging it will take that long. Aren’t the projections that we’ll be all dead by then? or at least living in bubbles?
Pfkad — thanks for adding that in. I was going to post that a day or so ago — but, was waiting for the SAI press release.
hope to have it flying commercially by 2030.
I was thinking that by then I wouldn’t need commercial airliners…I’d have a transporter.
It’s too bad we’ll have run out of oil by 2040. No more jet fuel, no more airplanes.
Interesting that this type of wing, has 1 flaw..
And I wonder HOW they will fix it.
Bush plot to get more right-wing upper class voters to the polls. Poor people can’t afford to fly on silent planes.
“Silent Aircraft Readies For Take-Off”
earplugs not included….
I am also curious why it should take over 25 years to bring an idea to commercial fruition. We aren’t talking about something totally new, such as the introduction of TVs, Microwave ovens, or VCRs. Flying and airplanes are with us now and so much of the technology is already widespread.