The American aerospace company NASA is working with the aircraft manufacturer Boeing on a new type of passenger aircraft that will save a lot of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. This must be achieved, among other things, by higher placed, thinner and longer wings.
The plan is part of it Sustainable flight demonstratorProject. In combination with other developments in areas such as propulsion and materials used, it should ultimately lead to fuel savings and emission reductions of up to 30 percent compared to current passenger aircraft.
The first prototype is scheduled to take to the air for the first time in 2028, that’s what it sounds like. It could perhaps be applied to commercial flights from 2030 onwards.
Longer and thinner
The new wing structure is indicated by the term transonic truss wing. In this concept, the wings are longer and thinner than in current passenger aircraft and are also placed higher. The wings are supported and stabilized by diagonal trusses.
It is a new concept for single-aisle aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or the Boeing 737. The concept does not appear to be fully developed for larger aircraft types. It is also unclear what part the new wing has in fuel savings. NASA speaks of savings of up to 30 percent, but also mentions other necessary developments that should contribute to this.
challenges
The main challenge is to limit the weight gain of this new wing structure and to integrate relatively large engines. In theory, the longer wings can also cause problems at airports because more space is required.
NASA will spend $425 million on the project over the next seven years. The remaining agreed $725 million will be paid by Boeing and partners.
Source : HLN
