TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between.
Here’s a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel.
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‘Skytanic’
Soon to be the world’s biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747.
Dubbed “Skytanic”, the airliner will take to the skies by 2030, almost a decade after the idea was put forward by aerospace firm Radia.
It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo.
WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft – longer than the pitch at Wembley – and will be 79ft tall.
‘Blended wing’ jet
The world’s first “blended-wing body” plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets.
The unique design was just backed by United Airlines, which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes.
The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified – but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030.
Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4’s oversized wing could create a “living room in the sky”.
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Yunxing superplane
A futuristic ‘superplane’ that could ferry passengers from London to New York City in just 90 minutes is hoped to be in the sky by 2027.
The Chinese company, Space Transportation, behind the project is reportedly inching closer towards the production of the aircraft, called Yunxing.
In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model.
The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) – twice as fast as the British Concorde.
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Globe trotter
The Gulfstream G800 boasts a record-breaking range, allowing it to fly an incredible 9,000 miles without stopping.
This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications.
It’s hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030.
Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop.
If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe – with the exception of Sydney.
It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort.
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Boom Overture
The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project.
US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class.
Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds.
The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier.
Laying the groundwork for Overture, Boom’s XB-1 jet successfully reached supersonic speeds earlier this year.
Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market
Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets
There are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what’s been happening in the industry and what’s expected in the coming years.
Talon-A
- Built by Stratolaunch
- Reported speeds of Mach 5
- The first test flight conducted in 2024
X-59 Quesst
- Built by Nasa and Lockheed Martin
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 1.4
- The first test flight in 2024 – but subject to delays
Venus Stargazer M4
- Built by Venus Aerospace and Velontra
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 6
- First test flight in 2025
Quarterhorse MKII
- Built by Hermeus
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 2.5
- First test flight in 2026
Halcyon
- Built by Hermeus
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 5
- First test flight by 2030
Nanqiang No 1
- Built by China’s hypersonic plane programme
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 6
- First test flight in 2025
DART
- Built by Hypersonix Launch Systems
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 7
- First test flight in 2025
