NASA Envisioned the Passenger Plane for Tomorrow

When NASA announced the results of its Fundamental Aeronautics Program, some of the new designs came up as a result of this. In the 18-month exercise, the research group considered specific operational, environmental, and energy efficiency goals for air travel in 2030 and beyond. NASA claimed it as a realistic idea, not a science fiction.

“Standing next to the airplane, you may not be able to tell the difference [from current designs], but the improvements will be revolutionary,” said Richard Wahls, a project scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., said in a statement Monday. “Technological beauty is more than skin deep.”

The picture shows 20-passenger aircraft which was engineered by a team from GE Aviation; it can seat four across in an oval fuselage. The shape of the aircraft is designed such a way that it can allow smooth airflow over all surfaces. Electrical system is going to be powered by fuel cells, and the racket associated with air travel would be reduced through the use of low-noise propellers and advanced engine design. The aircraft has short takeoffs and quick climbs.