An airplane that can carry passengers on its 1:10 wings
(CNN) -
Researchers have conducted a successful test flight of the Flying-V, a futuristic, fuel-efficient plane that could one day carry passengers on its wings.
The unique design of the Flying-V places the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks in the wings, and experts expect the aircraft's aerodynamic shape to reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to airplanes. current.
LOOK: The shocking moment when a passenger took a ride on the wing of an airplane
Experts tested a 22.5kg, 3-meter scale model of the futuristic aircraft, developed by researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and Dutch airline partner KLM, to carry the long-awaited aircraft along its next development steps.
On the wings:
Dutch airline KLM has agreed to find the development of a V-shaped aircraft known as the Flying-V, which incorporates the passenger cabin, fuel tanks and cargo hold in the wings.
Edwin Wallet, OSO Studio
A team of researchers and engineers tested the plane at a guarded air base in Germany, where they worked with an Airbus team to test take-offs, maneuvers, approaches and landings.
"One of our concerns was that the aircraft might have some difficulty taking off, as previous calculations had shown that 'spinning' could be a problem," explained Roelof Vos, assistant professor at the Aerospace Engineering Faculty in a statement. Delft University of Technology, who led the project.
Air efficiency
: The plane is said to use 20% less fuel than the Airbus A350-900 while carrying a similar number of passengers, just over 300. Edwin Wallet, OSO Studio
“The team optimized the scale flight model to avoid the problem, but the proof of the pudding is in eating.
You need to fly to be safe, "he said.
By remotely controlling the aircraft, the researchers managed to take off at a speed of 80 km / h, while the aircraft's flight speeds, angles and thrust were as planned, they noted.
Better by Design:
The plane's increased fuel efficiency is due in large part to its aerodynamic design, say its creators, though its reduced weight also contributes.
Edwin Wallet, OSO Studio
Experts worked hard to optimize the plane: To improve telemetry, the team was forced to change the plane's center of gravity and adjust its antenna.
There is still work to be done to refine the plane before it can fly with passengers on board: the researchers said the test flight showed that the current design of the plane allows too much "Dutch roll", causing a rough landing.
Researchers say it could be ready for service between 2040 and 2050. Edwin Wallet, OSO Studio
The experts plan to use the data collected from the test flight for an aerodynamic model of the aircraft, which will allow them to program it in a flight simulator for future tests and improve flights.
The team will conduct further tests on the model and hope to provide the Flying-V with sustainable propulsion, as the design lends itself to carrying liquid hydrogen instead of kerosene.
Airplane