Solar-Powered Airplane on the Horizon
For the last two years, a company has been developing what is likely to become the world's first solar-powered airplane. Based in Switzerland, SolarImpulse has a team of 25 experts including pilots, electrical engineers, aeronautical engineers, and meteorologists. Their goal is to enable the airplane to fly even in darkness using solar power collected in daylight and stored in wing-mounted solar cells. Their idea is that the plane will fly solely on solar power and be emissions-free. It will also be able to fly continuously for days at a time. The company believes that once the necessary technology is developed, the plane can circumnavigate the planet in one flight. The SolarImpulse aircraft will be constructed using composite materials and have room for just the pilot. It will cruise at almost 40,000'. SolarImpulse expects the plane to be ready for its first test flight sometime after 2008.
World's Largest Aircraft to Ship NATO Freight - Airplanes
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has hired a Russian company to haul oversized freight in the Antonov An-124, a Soviet-era aircraft, and the world's largest jet. Volga-Dnepr, the plane's manufacturer, is trying to raise the money needed to restart production of the aircraft which was halted in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. At that time, only 56 of the An-124s had been completed.
Japan to Develop New Supersonic Jet
Japan will meet with NASA in June to discuss a possible partnership for development of a supersonic jet that will replace the Concorde. The new jet will be able to travel 5,000 miles per hour, or 10 times faster than today's airplanes. Its Supersonic Combustion Ramjet engine, or scramjet as it's known, will enable it to fly between Los Angeles and Tokyo in three hours.
Now Boarding for Outer Space, Gate One - Airplanes
Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma are seeking FAA approval to develop spaceports. They'll use them to launch as yet untested rockets that will transport passengers roundtrip to suborbital space. That's about 60 miles above Earth to you and me. Some rocket manufacturers claim they'll be ready within a year's time. Estimated ticket prices are $100,000 to $250,000 each. I'm thinking meals better be included for that kind of money.
Planes of Fame Airshow - May 20 & 21 in Chino, CA
The 2006 Planes of Fame Airshow will be held on May 20 and 21 at the Chino Airport. The Silver Wings Wingwalking Team will perform as will several warbirds in aerobatic displays. Among them will be the WWI Sopwith Camel in a mock fight against a Fokker DR1 tri-plane. Those attending the airshow will get a taste of World War II Pacific Theater fighting when a Wildcat, Avenger, Corsair, and Dauntless take on a Japanese Zero.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
New Photo Community
- 2008 AIA Worker Safety Awards
- New Airpower Displayed at International Biofuel Exposition
- Air Force Week Festivities Start This Weekend
- Airshow China A Huge Success
- New Technology Limits Need For Hard Landings
- Middle East Business Aviation Expo
- AIRTEC 2008 : Showcasing Aviation Innovation
- AOPA Expo 2008
- Bombardier Aircraft Brakes Into History Books
- US Plans To Go Nuclear With Passenger Aircraft
