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ianstone
07-19-2010, 03:28 PM
The plane of the future: Airbus showcases fantasy jet that is leaner, cleaner and quieter



By Mail Online Reporter (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Mail+Online+Reporter)
Last updated at 5:09 PM on 19th July 2010

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A glimpse of what flying in the future might be like was provided today by planemaking company Airbus.

The firm produced images of a fantasy-like aircraft which might be the type of plane flying by 2050, or even 2030 if technology continues developing at the current rate.

The lightweight plane includes ultra-long, slim bent-back wings and a U-shaped tail.


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/19/article-0-0A7E5267000005DC-813_634x311.jpg Airbus has produced an artist's impression of a fantasy aircraft which includes long, slim wings and a U-shaped tail



http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/19/article-0-0A7E5247000005DC-842_634x311.jpg The jet would have lower fuel burn, a significant cut in emissions, less noise and greater comfort, according to Airbus

It also has a light-weight ‘intelligent’ body all to improve the plane's environmental performance or ‘eco-efficiency’.

It is designed to burn less fuel, produce fewer emissions, and create less noise - all in far greater comfort for the passenger.

The images were displayed at the start of the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire today.

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Charles Champion, engineering executive vice-president at Airbus, said; 'Our concept plane represents an engineer's dream about what an aircraft could look like in the long-term future.

'It's not a real aircraft and all the technologies it features, though feasible, are not likely to come together in the same manner.

'Here we are stretching our imagination and thinking beyond our usual boundaries. We want to stimulate young people from all over the world to engage with us so that we can continue to share the benefits of air transport while also looking after the environment.'
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/19/article-0-0A7E521B000005DC-654_634x394.jpg The plane has semi-embedded engines and is designed to be 'eco-efficient'


In ‘The Future by Airbus’ the company talks of morphing seats made from ecological, self-cleaning materials, which change shape for a snug fit.

Other ideas included walls that become see-through at the touch of a button, affording 360 degree views of the world below; and holographic projections of virtual decors, allowing travelers to transform their private cabin into an office, bedroom or Zen garden.

‘Green’ energy sources like fuel cells, solar panels or even our own body heat might provide energy for powering some systems on tomorrow’s aircraft.

As aeronautics engineers continue to use nature as a source of inspiration, some of these aircraft may even fly in formation like birds to reduce drag, fuel burn and therefore emissions.

Meanwhile an Airbus poll of more than 2,240 adults showed that, for the British public under 35, 'environmental issues' were second only to 'cost' as a barrier to flying.

Those aged 55 or over ranked ease of getting to the airport, flight duration and comfort as being more important.

The majority of under-35s also looked forward to flying more in the future. More than 40 per cent thought that for every two flights made today, at least three will be made by 2050. As many as 10 per cemt expected to fly at least twice as much by 2050 as now.





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