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Is this the plane of the future?
The Daily Telegraph ^ | 27th July 2015 | John O'Ceallaigh

Posted on 07/28/2015 2:36:31 PM PDT by the scotsman

KLM's sleek and streamlined AHEAD aircraft is one of many proposed aircrafts that could radically change the way we fly

'The plane of the future could well be a sleek and streamlined aircraft with a “blended wing” if proposals by the Delft University of Technology in Holland and Dutch carrier KLM come to fruition.

A blended wing is one that is seamlessly connected to the plane rather than attached separately to the fuselage and it’s one of a number of innovations that has been mooted as a result of the AHEAD study the two organisations collaborated on. Standing for Advanced Hybrid Engine Aircraft Development, the study saw academics, manufacturers and aviation experts consider how higher-tech aircraft could be developed and the aviation experience enhanced.

The prototype plane’s proposed silhouette would minimise drag and so reduce fuel consumption. A totally new engine design would provide better efficiency too, with a hybrid engine and other complicated technological amendments further finessing performance.

More precise details can be found in KLM’s report on the development, but the general public is unlikely to see the results of this study in reality until about 2050. Though a long way off, it is the latest ambitious proposal for a radically different type of commercial aircraft.'

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: blendedwing
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1 posted on 07/28/2015 2:36:31 PM PDT by the scotsman
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To: the scotsman

No.
The ‘future’ airplane will be much like a helicopter.


2 posted on 07/28/2015 2:37:38 PM PDT by mrsmith (Dumb sluts: Lifeblood of the Media, Backbone of the Democrat/RINO Party!)
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To: the scotsman
Jack Northrop's ghost lives!
3 posted on 07/28/2015 2:39:30 PM PDT by Timber Rattler (Just say NO! to RINOS and the GOP-E)
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To: the scotsman

No rudder?


4 posted on 07/28/2015 2:41:21 PM PDT by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
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To: mrsmith
The Terrafugia is already here

and if I only had the money ....

5 posted on 07/28/2015 2:41:28 PM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true.)
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To: the scotsman

6 posted on 07/28/2015 2:41:41 PM PDT by sparklite2 (Voting is acting white.)
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To: the scotsman

Click The Pic

7 posted on 07/28/2015 2:43:40 PM PDT by Fiddlstix (Warning! This Is A Subliminal Tagline! Read it at your own risk!(Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: the scotsman

Everybody has a blended-wing design that they’re trying to get funding for or get into production and into the market. Boeing’s X-48 is another example.


8 posted on 07/28/2015 2:45:58 PM PDT by Tonytitan
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To: the scotsman

There aircraft of the future will be designed and built by Boeing.


9 posted on 07/28/2015 2:46:00 PM PDT by Gay State Conservative (Obamanomics:Trickle Up Poverty)
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To: the scotsman

Boeing has been researching a blended body for quite a while. I think it is the X43


10 posted on 07/28/2015 2:46:01 PM PDT by DaxtonBrown (http://www.futurnamics.com/reid.php)
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To: central_va
Rudder? RUDDER???

We don't need no stinking RUDDER.

11 posted on 07/28/2015 2:46:33 PM PDT by NorthMountain ("The time has come", the Walrus said, "to talk of many things")
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To: Tonytitan

I think you got the right number, X48


12 posted on 07/28/2015 2:46:51 PM PDT by DaxtonBrown (http://www.futurnamics.com/reid.php)
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To: central_va

Looks like a flying hammerhead shark.


13 posted on 07/28/2015 2:47:18 PM PDT by Average Al
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To: knarf

This model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHJTZ7k0BXU

Right idea anyway.


14 posted on 07/28/2015 2:49:33 PM PDT by mrsmith (Dumb sluts: Lifeblood of the Media, Backbone of the Democrat/RINO Party!)
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To: NorthMountain

I saw one of those banking near Pittsburgh some years ago and initally thought of broken multipane window.


15 posted on 07/28/2015 2:50:17 PM PDT by Paladin2 (Ive given up on aphostrophys and spell chek on my current device...)
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To: central_va

Yeah, and no vertical stabilizer either.


16 posted on 07/28/2015 2:55:08 PM PDT by skimbell
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To: mrsmith
In the late 90's Randy Schlitter built and flew his S-11 Pursuit, but an engine failure with hard crash and injuries put it off his board forever(?)

80% body lift


17 posted on 07/28/2015 2:58:13 PM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true.)
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To: NorthMountain

Saw this flying over my property one night. Prior to the maiden voyage. Flew low, deathly quiet and only a few (4) running lights. I live in rural so cal. It was a sight that stayed with me all these years.


18 posted on 07/28/2015 3:02:55 PM PDT by Conservative4Ever (ENOUGH!! Man the pitch forks and torches...let the revolution begin!!!)
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To: knarf

For the price of a terrafugia you could get a ICON A5 and a nice vehicle to tow it.


19 posted on 07/28/2015 3:16:54 PM PDT by USNBandit (Sarcasm engaged at all times)
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To: NorthMountain

I know exactly where that picture was taken. That’s the Sierra Nevada Range of California just south of Big Pine with the edge of Tinemaha Reservoir just to the right.


20 posted on 07/28/2015 3:29:55 PM PDT by Inyo-Mono
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