Supergiro
Aircraft: Stratos Double-Deck Airplane May Be the Future of Aviation
The Stratos is one of those commercial planes that actually makes me think “this is how the future will look like”. Rather than just being the same old basic design that has been with us forever now, the Stratos has a large 237-foot wingspan and two massive engines mounted on the back, giving it a way more stylized design than monsters like the Airbus A380. Its features, even compared to the A380, are impressive:
• Two Roll Royce Trent-like engines, capable of developing up to 95,000 lbf.
• 55,000 feet altitude ceiling.
• 505 knots cruise speed at 47,000 feet
• 208-foot long body (which in combination with the wings gives it that stylized look).
• 10,400 nautical miles range.
• 256 passengers in an all-sleeper, double-deck configuration (if only all inter-continental places were all-sleepers).
The Stratos is not made by Boeing or EADS. It has been designed by a group of former British aerospace engineers. According to them, this plane will be much more efficient and environmentally-savvy than the current fleet. However, it’s just a design for now, even if they say it could get int into service in 2028.
Solar-Odyssey
This is one of those stunning designs that will woo you the moment you lay your eyes on it. Solar Odyssey was designed to circumnavigate the Atlantic Ocean with zero carbon emissions. While it is one thing to think about it and conjure up a model, it’s a whole different ball game when it comes to actually getting one out in the ocean. To their credit, Lemer Pax from Nantes, France have done it in some style!
Solar Odyssey is a trimaran that has its design inspired by one of the mystical and awe-inspiring creature of the oceans- the Manta ray. The unusual, yet captivating build of Solar Odyssey allows it to sport a wide assortment of photovoltaic panels that help propel it with zero carbon emissions. There is no doubt that the world’s oceans could use less carbon content and Solar odyssey achieves just that.
The iconic trimaran is 60 feet long and sports 1184 square feet of solar panels on the top which spread out like the wings of the manta ray to give the maximum possible solar energy while maximizing the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels. Its narrow, sleek design and clean energy allow it to hit top speeds of 33 knots when needed.
As it moves across the Atlantic and then on a possible trip across the globe, the team calculates its average speed will be around 8 knots and it will make the entire journey on zero emissions. Solar Odyssey itself was designed from recycled parts of other boats to further spread the message of eco-consciousness and to encourage recycling and reuse.
In intent, design and execution, Solar Odyssey stands out from the crowd and has nothing but green interest at heart that makes it one of the most promising projects we have seen so far in 2011.
Airship
Special Helicopter
Use of Helicopters for lifting heavy items are not that trendy in the recent world but still there is always a need of a helicopter that can lift gigantic items for easy and quick transportation. This heavy lift robotic helicopter concept was designed during last 2008 with keeping giant lifting capabilities in mind. The innovative design will let the helicopter to pull a remarkably high object and the placing of the propellers have made them easy movable to offer better control. Both of the landing beams are supported with three hydraulic legs that can increase or reduce the height of the giant lifter.
Jon says:
The basic principle for the helicopter is to serve in the military as an unmanned helicopter to help out the construction crews build bases quickly. Dual propellers mounted on either side give stability as well as an incredible amount of lifting capacity considering the size of the vehicle. It’s just near the size of an average sedan but could easily lift a military grade hummer or whatever supplies the crew/troops need.
Maneuverability is key and so the engine pods can pivot in any direction needed to fit into small spots or to find its way through a city. Two cables come down from both ends of the vehicle to attach onto the object needing transport. The landing gear can also be used to pick up objects or to give the object some stability when in motion.
Space
airbus
One of the biggest manufacturers of airplanes around the world – Airbus know that the current fuel supply in the world is not going to last forever, and there would be a need for alternate fuel source to sustain the life we lead and correspondingly the airplanes that fly across the world ceaselessly.
For this end, Airbus has sponsored a new electric concept aircraft called “eGenius” which was unveiled at this week’s AERO Friedrichshafen 2011 industry event in Germany. eGenius is actually an electronically powered two-seat airplane that is being used to check the potential of using electrical energy as the main on-board power source. This aircraft is powered by a 60kW engine, with a takeoff weight of 850kg, and can travel a distance of 400km currently.
This aircraft was designed at the University of Stuttgart in Germany by the Institute of Aircraft Design. All the flight data is studied and researched on to determine the feasibility of using it as an alternate fuel. Apart from this Airbus is also exploring other technologies including fuel cell technology and bio-fuels among others.
Christopher Emerson, Airbus Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast says,
“Airbus is carefully studying all technologies available today for future alternative aviation energy sources. By sponsoring experimental projects like the ‘eGenius,’ we are gathering valuable experience and data for our further analyses and research activities in this area.”
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