Radical bi-directional flying wing design gets NASA funding
NASA isn't just interested in extra-terrestrial exploration, but in pushing the boundaries of atmospheric flight as well, which is why it's just awarded $100,000 in funding for the supersonic plane concept shown above. As you can see, the symmetrical plane is basically all wing, and that's because it has two different configurations based on how fast you want to go. For normal, subsonic flight, a plane needs a decent wingspan to get off the ground and sustain flight at lower speeds. But, when you want to go supersonic, large wings become a bit of a drag, which is where the concept's bi-functional design comes in. The plane begins its journey in the long-winged setup, but spins 90 degrees amongst the clouds to use its stubby wings for efficient faster-than-sound flight and "virtually zero sonic boom." Gecheng Zha from the University of Miami has been touting his concept for quite some time, but now he's got the cash to refine the design, run simulations and do some wind tunnel testing, with the potential for
A team that has created a supersonic jet design resembling a flying shuriken has been awarded a US$100, 000 grant from NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program to continue development ...
Tue 4 Sep 12 from Gizmag
The plane is created in a way that will allow it to take off from the ground, and then turn on its side once it reaches supersonic atmospheric levels.
Mon 3 Sep 12 from Daily Mail
NASA isn't just interested in extra-terrestrial exploration, but in pushing the boundaries of atmospheric flight as well, which is why it's just awarded $100,000 in funding for the supersonic ...
Sat 1 Sep 12 from Engadget
The commercial aircraft we all are used to flying in could get us to our destinations a lot faster if they were allowed to break the sound barrier. A 747 typically reaches speeds of 550mph, ...
Fri 31 Aug 12 from Geek.com
A futuristic aircraft resembling a flying ninja star can turn 90 degrees in midair to go into supersonic mode.
Thu 30 Aug 12 from SPACE.com
Supersonic Flying Wing Nabs $100,000 from NASA, Thu 30 Aug 12 from Livescience
Designing the perfect aircraft is impossible. For takeoff and landing (arguably the most important parts of flying), you want something with wide, broad wings. But to fly fast and efficiently, ...
Wed 29 Aug 12 from Dvice
MIAMI, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- An aircraft that could pivot 90 degrees in midair after takeoff to reach supersonic speeds has been given $100,000 in NASA funding, its research team says.
Wed 5 Sep 12 from UPI
An engineer from the University of Miami has received $100,000 from NASA for his fuel-efficient supersonic aircraft. Working with a team from Florida State University, Ge-Chen Zha has designed ...
Mon 3 Sep 12 from Inhabitat
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