Eco-friendly planes go on show
Eco-friendly planes go on show
2008-05-16Newsfeed
A series of "green" concept aircraft which utilise light, new materials and advanced engine technologies have gone on display in an exhibition at London's Science Museum.
A series of "green" concept aircraft which utilise light, new materials and advanced engine technologies have gone on display in an exhibition at London's Science Museum.
Looking at the likely impact of aviation on climate change, the free exhibition, sponsored by European aerospace company EADS, includes a futuristic blended-wing body aircraft model from Cambridge University.
Designed to reduce fuel burn, the plane is one big "flying wing", featuring a novel centre-body shape with leading edge carving. The design balances the aerodynamic forces without the need for a tail, and features streamlined wings which provide efficient lift distribution and low cruise drag.
The exhibition also features engines with high-capacity low-speed fans designed to minimise noise levels and improve fuel efficiency. Researchers are predicting that planes like this could cut carbon emissions by 25% and might become a reality by 2030.
Other items on display include examples of lighter aircraft materials such as the titanium aluminised turbine blade from an aeroplane engine and an example of carbon fibre composite.
The exhibition, entitled Does Flying Cost the Earth?, runs at the Science Museum until November 2008.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
