As aerial vehicles have undergone major transformations, companies involved in the field are aiming to bring about sustainability in the global aviation industry. It is estimated that global aviation contributes to nearly 2.5% of overall CO2 emissions and this figure is all set to increase rapidly in the future.
With the intention to make aviation more sustainable, Dutch airline KLM has joined hands with TU Delft to create the Flying-V aircraft concept. This aircraft is designed to use 20% less fuel than Airbus A350. As a part of the collaboration, KLM has signed an agreement to offer financial support to TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) in the research and development of the aircraft, which will bring sustainability to aviation.
Researchers are in plans to reveal the flying scale model of the aircraft and a full-size section of the aircraft’s interior this October to test if it can remain stable when being flow at slow speeds.
Flying-V aircraft concept
The Flying-V aircraft has a V-shaped design and integrates the passenger cabin, cargo and fuel tanks into the wing. The long-distance Flying-V aircraft concept is smaller than Airbus 350, which is one of the most advanced aircrafts available today. This gives it less aerodynamic drag and also reduces its weight.
How does it compare with Airbus 350?
The Flying-V concept is shorter than Airbus A350 by 55 metres but has the same wingspan of 65 metres. The company uses the existing infrastructure at airports and will fit into the same hangar as the Airbus A350. Besides this, the V-shaped aircraft can carry 314 passengers, which is similar to that of the Airbus 350 and has the same cargo volume of 160 cubic metres.
Aims at sustainability!
This new V-shaped aircraft concept consumes 20% lesser fuel that results in reduced CO2 emissions. This is possible as the aircraft is propelled by the most fuel-efficient turbofan engines available right now. It has the potential to be adapted to use innovations in the propulsion system including electrically-boosted turbofans.
Wants to decrease CO2 emissions
Back in October 2018, the Dutch aviation sector presented the Smart and Sustainable action plan, which will make air travel environment-friendly. It aims to decrease the CO2 emissions from Dutch aviation by 35% by 2030.
No compromise on passenger experience
Besides being lightweight and sustainable, the long-distance Flying-V aircraft provides researchers an opportunity to improve passenger experience. The seating layout in the wings and restrooms are designed to offer maximum efficiency despite the unusual shape of the aircraft.
Other sustainable aircraft makers
A number of aircraft makers have been trying to attain a sustainable future by focusing on electric technologies. German startup Lilium is one such startup that unveiled a five-seater jet-powered electric air taxi prototype recently. It plans to operate this electric air taxi prototype in many cities across the world in the next six years.
Also, Uber has shared the designs of eVTOL, its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles in May 2018. it will be the world’s first urban aviation ridesharing network and will be operational by 2023.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
Also read,
https://siliconcanals.com/news/cisco-to-acquire-french-iot-scaleup-sentryo-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-merger/
01
From employee advocacy to social selling: Oktopost founder Daniel Kushner on the future of B2B marketing