UK travellers could fly from London to New York in less than five hours thanks to a new ‘wingless’ plane design complete with luxurious cabins and zero emissions
Brits planning US holidays to New York City could find themselves only facing a five-hour flight time in the near future, thanks to a new ‘wingless’ plane design that looks like something out of a sci-fi film.
The supersonic aircraft could transport up to 300 passengers and reach speeds of up to 1,141mph (Mach 1.5) – over double the speed of the quickest commercial planes flying today. Currently, the flight time between London and New York is approximately eight hours.
Designed by Oscar Viñals from Barcelona, the Sky OV Evo won’t be full of small economy seats with passengers crammed in. Instead, it will boast the likes of bedrooms, suites and bathrooms – and there’s even talk of food served up by an in-flight chef.
On its website, the design agency explains: “The future airplane’s engines and aircraft would be lighter, quieter and more efficient, the experience to fly would be considerably different than today, more space, special commodities, all kind of luxuries… etc . Our aircraft designs research focuses on these enabling technologies and their application to future flight concepts is full of amazing innovations.”
While the plane is tipped as ‘wingless’, it does have a design that does of course feature a ‘blended’ wing-shaped design, which is reportedly to help minimise drag. Designers say that the shape has also been used by the likes of NASA as it can “help to increase fuel economy”.
The agency adds: “An aircraft of this type would have a wingspan slightly greater than a Boeing 747 and could operate from existing airport terminals, adding that the plane would also ‘weigh less, generate less noise and emissions, and cost less to operate than an equally advanced conventional transport aircraft’.”
Unfortunately if you’re thinking of rushing to book tickets and be amongst the first onboard, you’ll need to wait a while longer; the plane is very much just a concept design at the moment. It’s not the only impressive aircraft currently being developed in a bid to shatter the sound barrier.
The Overture is a new plane concept designed by Boom Supersonic that could reach 1,300mph. The US-based company aims to cut flights between Miami and London from eight hours and 45 minutes to just five hours. It’s also looking to cut the journey time between New York and London to just three-and-a-half hours.
Boom’s commercial order book for Overture currently stands at 130 aircraft. In August 2022, American Airlines placed a deposit on up to 20 aircraft, with an option for 40 more. In June 2021, United Airlines ordered 15 Overture aircraft, with an option for 35 more. Japan Airlines made a pre-order for 20 aircraft back in 2017, the company told the Mirror.
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