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Son of Concorde
targo writes "BBC reports that EADS is considering a new generation hypersonic commercial aircraft. "Son of Concorde" would be twice as fast, carry twice as many passengers while being much quieter than its predecessor. It would get from Tokyo to Paris in just two hours, US destinations are not mentioned.
However, as Japan's failure last summer suggests, it might not happen too easily."
This sounds like aeronautical vaporware. Boeing's attempt at a higher-speed "Sonic Cruiser" was scrapped last year when the company felt that economical flight at current speeds was the way to go (via the 7E7 project), and the Cruiser wasn't even planning to pass the sound barrier.
It's one thing for EADS to think speed is the way to go, and it's quite another to propose something as ambitious as they have. Based on the article I strongly suspect they're making token research into engine tech but aren't actually trying to design a plane at all here (no mention of fuselage design at all). It's just Fun with Public Relations.
I disagree. Flying halfway around the world is a PITA, even at the fast-ish speeds the current crop of jet-liners can fly at.
Go to any international airport and take a look at the travellers who have spent 12 hours on a flight, with 8 more ahead of them after their stopover.
Trust me on this - if they have the money, people will pay for this high-speed service. Even if it means an "economy" seat for the price of business class, it's worth it to shave 15 hours off your travel time.
Forget thrust, drag, lift and weight. Airplanes fly because of money.
As I read /. I am struck by the persistence of people saying:
* This can't be done!
* This can't be done economically!
* We shouldn't try because it can't be done.
I just hope the people working on making a plane that will cut down on my travel time have a different attitude. I hope they are asking how can it be done? rather than why can't it be done.
It's easy to be a nay sayer. Nothing exposes genius faster than naysayers proven wrong.
-- $G
There is a big downside to "coasting above the atmosphere, not using fuel at all". That is a ballistic trajectory meaning that you will be in freefall. the name "vomit comet" mean anything to you?
passenger comfort requires "gravity", gravity requires lift, lift implies drag, and drag burns fuel.
-Rob
ps: thats not to say you wouldn't get some thrill seekers wanting to fly, but i don't think it will fly with the business crowd...