Good point, let's stop and cease all R&D efforts on aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, cars, boats and motorocycles. < /sarcasm>
What do we have today that we didn't have 40 yrs ago? Let's see, we have computers that can model aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, we have lighter materials than aluminum, we have new processes and new alloys, we have advances in fuel and fuel delivery systems, we have vibrational analysis, improved jet engine performance, plastics and glass materials that are much harder, more flexable and lighter than 40 yrs ago.
No, let's just sit on our butts and wonder why companies that didn't exist when the 747 went into service, are kicking our butts today.
“Good point, let’s stop and cease all R&D efforts on aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, cars, boats and motorocycles. < /sarcasm>”
Well since R&D has continued unabated on the 747 the aircraft is far superior to what was originally designed. Its stupid to change things just to change them. The laws of aerodynamics haven’t changed so there is no need to change the basic airframe. The other areas which have advanced have been changed. So your entire premise is based on the entire Airbus business model, that of hot air.
“No, let’s just sit on our butts and wonder why companies that didn’t exist when the 747 went into service, are kicking our butts today. “
Easy, its called government subsidies.