A hypersonic aircraft is being developed by a Texas-based company called Venus Aerospace. They have already created a functional engine for the project, and based on preliminary tests, they expect the plane to achieve speeds of up to 7,402.9 km/h. This would make it capable of flying at six times the speed of sound and three times faster than the famed Concorde supersonic airliner. With this speed, a journey from London to New York could be completed in under an hour.
After a long wait, the world’s first zero-emission aircraft are finally a reality. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified a two-seater aircraft made in Slovenia for flight. Within a few years, it would be certified in the UK, the US, and other regions. The Pipistrel Velis Electro became the first fully certified electric aircraft in the world and remains the only one with full certification. However, the uptake of electric aircraft is still a long way off. Despite the growing number of cleaner aircraft being developed, significant questions remain about the alternative fuels needed to power them, and the political will to implement these technologies is still uncertain.
The eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) industry is experiencing a surge of innovation and development as companies worldwide race to redefine urban and regional air mobility. This new generation of aircraft promises a transformative way of transportation, offering solutions that blend the convenience of helicopters with the efficiency of drones and the sustainability of electric vehicles. Below, we explore the latest developments, technological advancements, and practical applications shaping this rapidly evolving sector.
Aviation has long been a frontier of technological advancements, constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and meet growing global demand. As the industry faces increasing pressure to cut carbon emissions, hydrogen power trains are emerging as a promising solution, capturing the attention of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and environmentalists alike. But what does the future hold for hydrogen-powered aviation ?
In July 2024, Vertical Aerospace took a significant step forward in the development of their latest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the VX4. As part of their rigorous testing program, the VX4 has successfully undergone its initial ground tests, setting the stage for more complex evaluations.
London Gatwick’s hydrogen infrastructure initiative: paving the way for sustainable aviation
London Gatwick Airport is embracing a pioneering role in the transition towards a more sustainable future in aviation by significantly investing in hydrogen-powered infrastructure. In collaboration with Airbus, EasyJet, and Air Products, this initiative is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the aviation sector and bring hydrogen-powered aircraft into commercial service by 2035.
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