Aerospace engineers have come up with their versions of airplanes for 2035 that will use far less fuel and will be quieter than today’s aircraft, two conditions determined by NASA, which commissioned the designs.
The improvements in fuel efficiency are a result of using lighter planes with more aerodynamic shapes, according to Discover magazine. Flying time might be a bit longer, but the engineers noted that this might be offset by faster passenger loading and unloading and quicker taxiing.
Engineers from Boeing proposed a sub-sonic jet using a SUGAR volt concept, a fuel system that includes an electric battery gas turbine hybrid propulsion system, which not only recues fuel consumption but also reduces noise and shortens takeoff distance.
Dubbed the Icon II, the plane is designed to carry 120 passengers in a two-class, single-aisle corridor.
GE proposed reducing airport congestion by using small planes, carrying 20 passengers, which could shuttle passengers between local airports.
An unusual “green airplane” design by MIT engineers relocates the jet engines from wing-mounted locations to the rear of a wide- body fuselage, with a carrying capacity of 180 passengers.
