Silent Aircraft Readies For Take-Off
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.
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.
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.
Posted: Tue - November 7, 2006 at 08:37 AM