These planes may never be built - but they are some of the most creative new aircraft designs we have seen from Boeing, Airbus, and More. What are they, and what would they be like in reality? Let's put on our thinking caps and jump in.
First on our list is the flying V, a project under development at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in partnership with KLM and Airbus. At first, you might think this is yet another blended wing design, like we have seen from both Boeing and Airbus, but without the middle of the plane. This design choice will save around 20% more fuel burn then the nearest other fuel-efficient planes.
This concept aircraft flies passengers inside the wings, as opposed to the wings becoming part of the plane. It has a capacity for 314 passengers seated across business and first class. There are effectively two passenger cabins, one down each leg of the "V" shape. Each cabin is 6.1-metre-wide (20 feet), that can have economy passengers in a twin-aisle 10-seat across configuration
So far a scale mock-up of the plane has been tested reaching up to speeds of 80 km per hour. While the flying is more stable than expected, the landing poses some problems as the attack angle needs to be so high like the concord, with extra-long front landing gear.
Speaking of insane Airbus projects, we have the Bird Of Prey concept plane that uses biomimicry technology to bring birds' advantages to modern aviation design.
The propeller plane has four turboprops to power the aircraft for regional routes, and each 'feather' can be individually modified to change the aerodynamics while in flight - much like a hawk. And just like birds, it doesn't have a traditional vertical tail
The regional aircraft would carry as many as 80 passengers up to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) and burn 30% to 50% less fuel than today’s equivalent planes.
An honorable mention is also the Otto Aviation Celera 500L "bullet" plane that has 8 times less fuel burn than any other jet aircraft - even flying just as fast as a modern plane.
Sitting only six passengers, this plane can travel at 460mph for more than 4000 nautical miles (7200 km), and costs just $328 per hour to run.
So far it has flown 31 successful test flights with aerodynamic efficiency proven in 2019, bolstering its declaration that "the Celera 500L is the most fuel-efficient, commercially viable aircraft in existence."
Otto Aviation has completed its first funding rounds and those successful test flights, but they still need to begin the FAA certification process, find a location for a manufacturing facility and create an initial order book.
Next up we have the Embraer Pulse aircraft, an exudative jet that looks more like Batman owns it than Bruce Wayne. The electric aircraft concept has an interchangeable remote control pod that offers near-360-degree visibility thanks to its use of transparent aluminum alloys and has interactive panels that allow text and other smartphone-like connectivity, and post-flight information.
Upon landing, the pod can be transferred to an autonomous ground car to continue in urban environments, while the flying frame returns with another.
There is also Eviation’s Alice, an 9 seater aircraft designed for short-haul hops powered by three electric engines that has been dubbed the Tesla of the sky.
The plane has a range of 1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi) + 45min reserve, making it perfect for smaller areas suited for short flights (such as remote islands) and executive transport. There will be a charge point for the plane to recharge at each destination at 30 minutes per hour of flight time.
At a price of $3 million USD, it costs $200 per hour to operate, which compares to $600-1,000 per hour for existing aircraft of a similar purchase price. Perfect for a weekend getaway. So far the firm has confirmed 150 orders, but another $500 million in funding is needed to get the aircraft in full production. Its first test flight was scheduled for this year.
Airbus is also working on a blended wing concept called the Maverick. So far only a scale model has flown to prove the design in flight. However the demonstrator’s potential to deliver real environmental performance benefits is of significant interest: approximately 20% less fuel burn compared to current single-aisle models with the same engine.
The spacious configuration also opens up the design space, enabling the possible integration of various other types of propulsion systems. . A blended wing body design provides an exceptionally comfortable cabin layout, enabling passengers to benefit from additional legroom and larger aisles for more personal comfort.
Boeing is also working on a Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft called SUGAR Volt with NASA.
The future of flight may be bold and even terrifying, but it's for sure exciting, and likely we will see many of these innovations filter down to future aircraft design in subtle ways.