Traveling by air does wonders. It transforms long, grueling drives into manageable flights and allows people to go places impossible to reach by car. The convenience is unparalleled. However, like anything, flying does not come without frustrating features for both passengers and those on the ground. Passengers sometimes undergo lengthy commercial flights (in addition to [...]
The International Paris Air Show began on June 19 and will continue until June 26. The International Exhibition of Aeronautics and Space (SIAE) host the event, and it is the 52nd edition of the largest and longest-running aerospace trade show in the world. The show is held every odd year and welcomes the latest in [...]
A Robotic SPIDER may hold the answer to furthering hybrid airship efficiency While the airship industry certainly isn't "huge" compared to other methods of [aviation] transportation technology, it is seeing a resurgence--especially with Lockheed Martin's P-791 Hybrid Airship. Hybrid Airships, Lockheed Martin claim, offer the benefits of "large cargo capacities with significant reductions in fuel [...]
Imagine soaring through our skies, powered entirely by the rays of the sun. Seems pretty incredible, doesn’t it? Well, it is actually happening, the Solar Impulse project is pioneering efficiency and clean, powered flight. Solar Impulse 2, the current plane in service is gunning to set the record as the first plane to circumnavigate the [...]
The Air Force wants autonomous aircraft Autonomous aircraft might not generate quite as many conversations as their autonomous car counterparts, though they are far from unheard of; in fact, advances in aviation technology and automation systems already lend to most modern planes being highly automated. Pilots spend considerably less time at the controls now during [...]
The Lilium jet just might make your Jetsons fantasies come true. In 1962, the world was first introduced to the Jetsons, a futuristic and somewhat zany family residing in Orbit City. Not only was Rosie the robot maid impressive (who wouldn't want a robot maid?), but their transportation of choice was the aerocar (yes, basically a flying car. Who wouldn't want a [...]
Airship or airplane? This one is a bit of both. Lockheed Martin took inspiration from both forms of aircraft when they designed their P-791. This aircraft is supported by both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift. Aerostatic lift is lift that is generated from the buoyancy of air surrounding the craft, like in a balloon or blimp. Aerodynamic [...]
3D printing is taking the world by storm. From prosthetics to accessories to food, 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) seems to be giving the internet the motto “if it can be printed, it will be printed.” This new wave of industry is proving to be practical (and fun) for both the individual consumer [...]
The plane of the future has no windows. At least, that’s what many of today’s leading airplane designers and engineers are currently developing. Although the intent is to remove windows from commercial airline planes, there are no plans to remove the view that you get from them. Design companies have been hard at work creating [...]
