Researchers in the Netherlands have successfully tested a small V-shaped passenger aircraft.
Named the Flying-V, the aircraft will use less fuel than previous passenger aircraft and will have more passengers and crew on its wings. It can carry fuel tanks and goods.
Experts have managed to fly this 3-meter-long model that weighs 22.5 kilograms and can fly at 80 kilometers per hour.
According to tests, the aircraft was designed to withstand the initial vibrations of a “Dutch Roll” that caused a rough landing.
The fuselage is attached to the wing and passengers can access through two side doors.
Passengers will then follow on either side of the wing, followed by cargo.
The research team will further test the Flying-V on a smaller model so that it can be carried with passengers.
The aircraft will be equipped with pressurized fuel storage systems and will be used to fly liquid hydrogen fuel cells.
This use of hydrogen fuel has the disadvantage of providing space for about 70% of the cargo cell capacity.
In addition, due to the use of hydrogen fuel cells, the range of aircraft can be less than that of conventional aircraft.
But for airlines that emit as much carbon emissions as either Germany or Japan, such a move would be beneficial in the future.
The future aircraft is being designed in collaboration with researchers from Dutch airline KLM and Delft Technological University.
The Flying-V can carry the same number of passengers as the Airbus A350-900 and save up to 20% on fuel.
This futuristic aircraft design is unique and very forward-looking.
But airlines still need a lot of testing to actually fly.
There may be some minor issues early on, but it is hoped that test flights will resolve the issue.
Testing of the aircraft design was completed in September 2020.
Engineers then built another small aircraft, about 13 meters high, to take off and land. Designs and other controls will be tested.
Building passenger aircraft that are different from conventional aircraft designs that can fly safely and safely is costly and time consuming.
Researchers expect the new aircraft to be a prototype flight before 2041.