As the threat of climate change is becoming increasingly prevalent, companies across the globe are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
One of those with the greatest spotlight on it is the airline sector, especially when it comes to reducing the emissions of fuel.
This is where the Flying-V plane comes in. The new aircraft, based on the Gibson guitar of the same name, is reported to burn 20% less fuel than the most efficient plane. And it isn't long to wait, as a prototype model will take flight later in 2019.
The concept was developed by researchers at Delft Technology University in the Netherlands and it's financially backed by KLM.
If everything goes well, we could be seeing those uniquely designed planes lining our skies in the following years.
Though its wingspan is the same as a regular aircraft, in this case the wings are where the passengers will sit, which means that it can carry up to 314 people in what would typically be empty space. Therein lies the secret to its fuel efficiency.
As Pieter Elbers reports, the KLM chief executive, by drastically reducing the carbon footprint of air travel and the expenditure on fuel, the project is a potential pioneer in the sector of 'sustainable aviation initiatives'.
What about the inside of the aircraft, however? While details on that are scarce, Peter Vink - professor of Applied Ergonomics and Design at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, also involved in the project - gave a little insight into what we can expect.
"The new shape of the aircraft means we have exciting opportunities to design the interior, making flying more comfortable for passengers," he explained.
"For instance, as part of the Flying-V research, we're looking into new options to having a rest or taking meals on a plane. Offering food from a buffet is one of the options we're sinking our teeth into."
The scale model of the Flying-V will be tested out by researchers in October 2019 to see if it can maintain stability and reliability while being flown at low speeds.
And if all goes well, a series of other tests will also be carried out and eventually it might be introduced as a brand new type of aircraft for commercial airlines. It will certainly give our skies a rock 'n' roll edge.
Photo credit: tudelft.nl
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