Resident Evil is coming to mobile.
Survival Unit is a 'survival horror strategy' game for smartphones. That's about all we know so far, apart from this teaser image that reveals it'll be set in the timeline's early days while the Umbrella Corporation is still around.
It's being co-developed by Aniplex Inc and Joycity Corporation, and we'll find out more when the trailer drops at 6PM ET on July 10th, including whether it'll tie into next year's Resident Evil Requiem .
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Forbes
35 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Best Early Prime Day Deals Available Now According To Our Deal Experts
It's official—Amazon Prime Day 2025 begins in just a few days. It kicks off on Tuesday, July 8 and runs through Friday, July 11. That's longer than usual (Prime Day has doubled in length from two days to four), but there's no need to wait for Tuesday—you can save on early deals right now. Our seasoned deals editors have already found some promising early Prime Day deals, including half off a Roomba Vacuum and Mop Combo or a Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 Electric Toothbrush, 35% off the Garmin Vívoactive 5 smartwatch or 33% off a Lenovo 15.6-Inch FHD laptop. Amazon Prime Day doesn't officially start until July 8, but our deals team found the best early ... More sales that you can shop now. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer While some of this year's best deals won't go live until July 8, the savings have truly already started. We're seeing some products hit their lowest prices of the year (or even their all-time lows). Read on to see the best early Prime Day deals we've found so far, based on extensive price history research. And keep checking back for updated prices and new product deals as we monitor the sale in the days leading up to its official launch. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds: Now $199, Was $249 (20% Off) Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella: Now $60, Was $80 (25% Off) Nanoleaf LED Face Mask: Now $200, Was $250 (20% Off With Coupon) Amazon Fire TV 32-Inch 2-Series: Now $110, Was $150 (27% Off) Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch 7: Now $299, Was $330 (10% Off) Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler: Now $240, Was $300 (20% Off) Hydro Flask 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler: Now $26, Was $40 (35% Off) Momcozy M5 All-In-One Breast Pump: Now $96, Was $140 (34% Off With Coupon) Bilt Hard 20-Inch High Velocity Floor Fan (Set Of 2): Now $105, Was $170 (38% Off) Garmin Vívoactive 5: Now $195, Was $300 (35% Off) Blueair Air Purifier: Now $110, Was $140 (21% Off) Lenovo 15.6-Inch FHD Laptop (32GB): Now $429, Was $599 (28% Off) Samsonite Freeform Hardshell Luggage: Now $209, Was $280 (25% Off) De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine: Now $500, Was $800 (38% Off) iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo: Now $140, Was $275 (49% Off) Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum: Now $300, Was $470 (36% Off) Ego Power+ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Now $600, Was $1,049 (43% Off) Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 Electric Toothbrush: Now $100, Was $200 (50% Off) Amazon Kindle Scribe: Now $260, Was $400 (35% Off) Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Now $149, Was $300 (50% Off) (SPONSORED) You May Also Like: Ulike Air 10: Now $262, Was $399 (34% Off With Code ULIKEAIR10) Our tech editor's pick for the best Apple wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver strong noise-cancellation, spatial audio and up to 30 hours of battery life with the included charging case. You can also seamlessly integrate the earbuds into your existing Apple ecosystem. Why It's A Good Deal: This model briefly dropped to $169 earlier this month, but this matches the second best price we've seen in 2025. If your backyard deck is in need of a new umbrella, this option from Best Choice Products is 25% off right now. It features water- and UV-resistant fabric, a wind vent at the top and a sturdy frame that stays firmly in place during strong winds. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the second-lowest recorded price we've seen at Amazon. If you're looking to get in on the LED face mask trend without spending upwards of $300, this Nanoleaf design is a good option. This model is FDA-cleared, meaning it's considered safe and effective for providing light therapy, and it's currently on sale for $200 when you apply the on-page coupon. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen on Amazon in months. It was originally released at $150, but the price has since increased to $250. One of the newest models in Amazon's Fire TV lineup, the 2-Series features an HD 720p resolution display, upgraded Alexa features and wireless Bluetooth listening. If you're looking for an affordable smart TV, both the 32- and 40-inch models are currently discounted. Why It's A Good Deal: This price is only $3 away from the second-lowest price drop we've seen this year. Track your daily fitness performance, adopt better sleep habits and keep in touch with loved ones, all from your wrist. Several band colors are currently discounted, but prices vary depending on which one you choose. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the second time this watch has dropped to this price in the past year. MOST POPULAR You won't regret investing in a portable cooler for the coming summer months. This Yeti design features a leakproof zipper and durable fabric that withstands wear and tear and won't fade, even after sitting out in the sun for hours at a time. It's currently on sale in both Key Lime and Wild Vine Red. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen for this Yeti in 2025. This Hydro Flask tumbler comes with a leak-resistant press-in lid and built-in straw that will keep your drinks cold for hours. Plus, it can comfortably fit in most cupholders. It's on sale in a few colorways right now, but prices vary depending on the size and color combination. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the biggest discount we've seen at Amazon. Effective and easy to use, the Momcozy M5 is one of our favorite wearable breast pumps overall. It's incredibly user-friendly and, most importantly, comfortable to wear. However, it tops out at 4 ounces of milk per cup, so you may want to consider another model if you typically produce more. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen for a single pack of this breast pump at Amazon. Pick up this set of floor fans to keep on your outside patio or move around your home on sweltering days. The fans are designed with a 360-degree pivoting head, a built-in handle for carrying and are easy to assemble. Why It's A Good Deal: While it's not the lowest price we've seen, it's still a substantial discount, just in time for the hotter months ahead. If you're looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes daily health tracking—like energy and stress levels, sleep patterns and exercise—this modern Garmin timepiece will cover your bases. It also has a reliable battery than can last up to 11 days in watch mode on a single charge. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've seen so far in 2025. This compact air purifier is a great option for small spaces, like apartments or personal offices. Plus, it's app-compatible, allowing you to monitor your home's air quality and schedule run times throughout the week. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the second largest discount we've seen in 2025. Ideal for students or professionals seeking a lightweight, reliable computer, this laptop is designed to handle everyday tasks—whether you're working in Excel or writing papers. The 15.6-inch FHD display allows you to organize spreadsheets or binge your favorite shows, and it comes with Windows 11 Pro. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest recorded price we've seen for this laptop at Amazon. Our team named the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On as the best value luggage of 2025. The design's larger capacity is ideal for those who overpack and require extra space while traveling—it features a spacious interior with numerous organizational features to keep your belongings secure. Not only do reviewers appreciate its roomy size, they also highlight how easy it is to roll, and built-in TSA locks add peace of mind on the go. Why It's A Good Deal: This editor-approved suitcase is at one of its lowest prices ever. 'I've tried a handful of espresso machines and the De'Longhi Magnifica Start is easily one of the best,' says deals and coupons writer Bianca Alvarez. That's because this durable appliance makes a variety of drinks, is easy to use and has a quick-brewing process. 'It checks off all the boxes you want in a machine, so it's definitely worth the splurge and something I recommend everyone buy when it's on sale.' Why It's A Good Deal: The current price is the lowest we've seen all year. This robot vacuum self-navigates around your home, cleaning and mopping surfaces and hard-to-reach areas with each pass. Afterwards, the vacuum automatically returns to its port to recharge—a single charge provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning time. Not only is it easy to integrate into your daily routine, but you can also use its accompanying app to create cleaning schedules, access cleaning reports and more. Why It's A Good Deal: This robot vacuum is currently at its lowest price ever. Despite its chic and lightweight frame, this versatile Dyson vacuum comes with a Motorbar cleaner head, crevice tool and dusting brush which—thanks to a 40-minute run time—can tackle every nook and cranny of your living space. Choose from Powerful Mode for everyday cleaning or MAX Mode for more intensive or troublesome areas. When the work is done, clip it into the (included) wall mount for simple storage. Why It's A Good Deal: This powerful and eye-catching vacuum is at its second-lowest price all year. This sturdy mower is powered by a 56-volt lithium ion battery and touch-drive technology that takes the headache out of mowing duties. Control the speed with a dial conveniently placed on the aluminum handlebars while a double-blade system whirs within a double-wall composite frame for up to 60 minutes of run time. Select your desired cutting height from eight increments between 1.5 and 4.5 inches. Why It's A Good Deal: This powerful gas-free machine is currently at it's lowest ever price. Remove up to 10 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush with this versatile electric toothbrush from Philips. Choose from four modes (Clean, White, Gum Health, Deep Clean) and three intensities to match your needs and preferences. A dual light reminder system lets you know when to charge the device or swap heads (dentists recommend replacing the latter every three months). Choose from black, pink, and white colorways. Why It's A Good Deal: This electric toothbrush is currently at it's lowest price ever on Amazon. It's not just an e-reader; the Amazon Kindle Scribe lets you take notes, create to-do lists and journal with virtually unlimited pages. It's the latest model that combines the ability to read books with take free-form notes on a glare-free 10.2-inch screen. Why It's A Good Deal: This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this Amazon gadget. This cordless stick vacuum from Shark has a lot to recommend it, including a 40 minute runtime, a bristle brushroll that works on both hardwood floor and carpet, and an LED headlamp that can illuminate your path. We also love the oversized dust cup that holds a lot of waste, plus offers hands-free disposal. Why It's A Good Deal: This half-price offer matches the best sale price this vacuum has ever sold for. Amazon carries a wide array of tech from big brands like Apple and Bose, along with its own popular line of TVs, smart speakers and more. We're already seeing notable drops on best-selling items, like these Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Wireless Headphones and the Blink Outdoor 4 security camera. Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Wireless Headphones: Now $130, Was $200 (35% Off) Blink Outdoor 4: Now $100, Was $260 (62% Off) Panasonic Z95 Series HD Smart Fire TV: Now $1,998, Was $3,200 (38% Off) Marshall Major V On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones: Now $100, Was $160 (38% Off) Hionly Portable Neck Fan: Now $25, Was $40 (38% Off) Sovboi Outdoor Projector: Now $260, Was $570 (54% Off With Coupon) Apple 2025 MacBook Air: Now $849, Was $999 (15% Off) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Now $25, Was $50 (50% Off) HP OfficeJet Pro 8215e Wireless All-In-One Printer: Now $140, Was $170 (18% Off) GoPro Hero 12 Waterproof Camera: Now $279, Was $370 (25% Off) Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank: Now $24, Was $40 (40% Off) Apple Watch Series 10: Now $299, Was $399 (25% Off) Amazon Echo Pop Kids: Now $22, Was $50 (56% Off) Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet: Now $140, Was $230 (39% Off) Whether you're looking for a high-end countertop appliance or new bedding, Amazon has a robust catalog of home products. Right now, you can save 43% on Tempur-Pedic pillows or grab our pick for the softest comforter for hot sleepers for 20% off. Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan: Now $200, Was $250 (20% Off) Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter (King): Now $200, Was $249 (20% Off With Coupon) Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair: Now $135, Was $200 (35% Off With Promo Code GVZ7G8MB) Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow: Now $50, Was $89 (43% Off) Kitsure Dish Drying Rack: Now $20, Was $30 (33% Off) Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Symphony Pillow: Now $70, Was $119 (41% Off) Ninja Creami Bundle: Now $200, Was $255 (22% Off) Amazon Echo Spot Smart Alarm Clock: Now $45, Was $80 (44% Off) Coway Airmega AP-512 Air Purifier: Now $155, Was $230 (33% Off) Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-In-1 Pressure Cooker: Now $70, Was $140 (50% Off) KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer: Now $350, Was $450 (22% Off) Birdfy Netvue Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Now $135, Was $200 (33% Off) Purobot Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box: Now $800, Was $1,000 (20% Off) Amazon has significantly broadened its beauty offerings over the past few years. These days, you can regularly find discounts on everyday essentials as well as splurge-worthy luxury formulas. This Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Cream is a personal favorite and 40% off right now. TYMO Ionic Hair Straightener Brush: Now $38, Was $70 (46% Off) Medicube Age-R Booster Pro Pink: Now $189, Was $228 (17% Off) Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Cream: Now $25, Was $42 (40% Off) Foreo Bear Microcurrent Facial Device: Now $280, Was $329 (15% Off) Medicube Zero Pore Pads: Now $19, Was $31 (39% Off) Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer: Now $150, Was $230 (35% Off) Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser: Now $46, Was $70 (34% Off) Braun IPL Laser Hair Removal: Now $280, Was $350 (20% Off) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen: Now $12, Was $21 (44% Off) Crest 3D Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Strip Kit: Now $35, Was $50 (30% Off) Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0: Now $19, Was $31 (39% Off) Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Styler: Now $33, Was $40 (16% Off) Ghd Platinum+ Flat Iron Hair Straightener: Now $223, Was $289 (23% Off) Early Prime Day Deals: Kids And Baby Gear There are also plenty of baby and kids essentials to peruse this week. Get ready for summer with 30% off a durable kiddie pool, or 25% off the Amacool stroller fan. Find those deals, and more, ahead. Jasonwell Foldable Kiddie Pool (XXL): Now $42, Was $60 (30% Off) Anico EASZZZ Baby Night Light: Now $30, Was $40 (25% Off) Amacool Battery Operated Stroller Fan: Now $22, Was $30 (25% Off) Cumbor Retractable Baby Gates: Now $36, Was $50 (28% Off) Dreamegg White Noise Machine: Now $18, Was $28 (36% Off) Babysense Baby Monitor: Now $1oo, Was $130 (23% Off) Nutribullet Baby Steam + Blend: Now $87, Was $115 (24% Off) Grownsy Baby Food Maker: Now $51, Was $68 (25% Off) GoodBaby No-Touch Thermometer: Now $16, Was $30 (47% Off) TPN Collapsible Baby Bathtub: Now $36, Was $51 (29% Off) Fshibila Large Baby Playpen: Now $50, Was $70 (28% Off) Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet: Now $65, Was $140 (54% Off) Joolz AER+ Compact Travel Stroller: Now $399, Was $499 (20% Off) Nanit Baby Monitor And Night Light Travel Bundle: Now: $250, Was $330 (24% Off) Step2 Wagon for Two Plus: Now $88, was $120 (27% Off) Amazon Prime Day will run from July 8 through July 11 this year—that's four days, twice as long as Prime Day has run for the last few years. Before the 8th, though, early deals mean that you can get lots of items for sale prices right now. Bookmark this page to stay updated on the latest discounts. Can You See Amazon Prime Day Deals Early? No, you can't see Amazon's actual Prime Day deals in advance. The retailer keeps those under wraps until the official sale launches and doesn't offer any previews. How Often Does Amazon Prime Day Take Place? Technically, there's only one Amazon Prime Day per year. That said, Amazon hosts a secondary event in the Fall, which is colloquially referred to as October Prime Day. It has also rolled out a spring savings event and typically promotes a variety of themed sales throughout the year. Can You Preview Amazon Prime Day Deals? Prime members are able to view upcoming deals and set price alerts that notify them when certain products go on sale. This can be done through the Prime Day event page. How Do I Get Alerted To Prime Day Deals? This is also available to all Prime members. From the Prime Day event page, select 'Watch This Deal' and enable push notifications to receive alerts.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Legendary Rapper Says He Fears for His Kids at School Drop-Off
Legendary Rapper Says He Fears for His Kids at School Drop-Off originally appeared on Parade. When you've got a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, 40-plus years of hits with Public Enemy, and a reality-TV resume that refuses to quit, you'd think the scariest part of your day would be dodging paparazzi. But for Flavor Flav, the real panic sets in when he pulls up to the school curb. 'I fear for my kids when I drop them off at school,' the 66-year-old rapper wrote in a Thursday, July 2 Newsweek op-ed that calls for a total U.S. gun ban. 'Our schools aren't safe and our kids aren't safe.' 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Flav (real name: William Drayton Jr.) is dad to eight kids across four different relationships. He shares daughters Shanique, Karren, and Kayla with his ex Karen Ross. He has Da'Zyna, Quanah, and William with ex Angie Parker. His son Karma is from his relationship with longtime partner Liz Trujillo, and his youngest, Jordan, was born in 2019 with his ex-manager Kate Gammell. It's take yo kids and grandkids to the rink at @rockcenternyc season,!!! ⛸️🧊 — FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) October 12, 2024 The Flavor of Love star says his worry comes from 'first-hand experience.' 'Guns are falling into the hands of the wrong people. I would know. I went to jail because of guns. I ended up on Rikers Island,' he wrote, recalling the firearm conviction that landed him behind bars in the early '90s. Many of y'all have opinions without reading the article. Guns did affect my life when they were brought into the black communities,,, so I speak from a place of experience. The only thing I'm carrying now is the conversation. — FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) July 4, 2025 Now, he argues, weak laws have created 'domestic errorism' that slaps 'a price tag on the heads of our children.' The warning couldn't be clearer. CNN's running tally shows 23 U.S. school shootings so far this year — nine dead and 33 injured as of May 13 — spanning college campuses and K–12 hallways alike. By comparison, ABC News (via the K–12 School Shooting Database) reports that 2024 saw 330 K–12 school shooting incidents, the second-highest total since at least 1966 (which is as 'far back as the data goes'), surpassed only by the 349 incidents recorded in 2023. 'Fear and power are two of the biggest emotions that drive us,' Flav wrote. 'Let our fear of losing our children be more powerful than our fear of our next-door neighbor.' That belief fuels 'March Madness,' the protest single he and Chuck D released on Juneteenth. It opens with a real 911 call from a teacher reporting 'a school shooting and begging for help.' BLACK SKIES OVER THE PROJECT (Apartment) 2025PUBLIC ENEMY drop surprise new album,!!We hear you and we here to still Fight the Power with ya as The Hits Keep On CominYou can't stream it but you can pay what you want for the next 72 hours at bandcamp.… — FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) June 27, 2025 Flav says the goal is to restart a national conversation. He hopes the song gives a voice to people who feel powerless and helps build what he calls a 'wall of unity' strong enough to stand up to fear and division. 💪 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💪 'I hope this song sparks change,' he wrote. 'I hope this anthem gives a voice to those who feel powerless against a system of power and greed." The track appears on Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025, a surprise album Public Enemy released in late June on Bandcamp. It's their first new music since What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, which was released on September 25, 2020. Legendary Rapper Says He Fears for His Kids at School Drop-Off first appeared on Parade on Jul 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The hyper-futuristic jet you'll soon be flying on
Some 101 years after the world's first 'blended-wing body' aircraft took flight (before promptly crashing back down to earth), a flurry of major manufacturers are designing planes in the unique aerodynamic style. This week, we gained a fresh look into how one of these planes might take shape. The aviation start-up Natilus has published rendered images of its blended-wing body aircraft, a design concept which would allow for more spacious, fuel-efficient and potentially cheaper flights. Natilus is a San Diego-based startup, co-founded in 2016 by aircraft design engineers Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov. The mock-ups show a seating configuration that would see three aisles running through the plane, with futuristic booths allowing for in-flight video conferencing. Aviators have theorised over the potential for a blended-wing body (BWB) jet for more than a century. But in recent years, with a sharpened onus on lowering emissions, airline manufacturers including Airbus, Bombardier and Boeing – plus a suite of start-ups – have begun exploring options for blended-wing designs. In simple terms, a BWB aircraft has no clear dividing line between the main body and the wings, which are instead smoothly blended together. The result is an aerodynamic shape, which allows for a more fuel-efficient flight. The blended wing differs from the 'flying wing' – the design used for the B-2 Bomber – which sees an aircraft's entire payload within the wing structure. But they are similar, in that they are both tailless. The idea of the BWB was first dreamt up in the 1920s by Russian inventor Nicolas Woyevodsky. The result of his designs was the Westland Dreadnought, a single-engined fixed-winged monoplane. Only one was built, and it crashed on its maiden flight in Yeovil, Somerset, in May 1924, badly injuring the test pilot in the process. Other prototypes were developed in the decades that followed, including designs by Vincent Burnelli, British manufacturer Miles, and a long-range interceptor aircraft called the 'Moonbat'. The latter was designed for the US Air Force, but its production was cancelled after the prototype was destroyed by an engine fire. As the decades passed, the BWB design was sidelined in preference of the 'tube and wing' design which Boeing and Airbus have adopted. But now, with airlines under pressure to meet net zero targets by 2050, the fuel-efficient BWB aircraft is back on the table. Natilus is one of the smaller firms in the mix. Its Horizon aircraft will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles with a capacity of up to 196 passengers. This puts this particular BWB in a similar playing field to the Boeing 737-800, which has a capacity of 189 seats and a range of 2,500 to 3,850 nautical miles. But it is the other numbers that will catch the attention of prospective buyers. According to Natilus, the Horizon will reduce operating costs by 50 per cent, and the aircraft is 25 per cent lighter than conventional jets. Natilus says: 'Blended-wing bodyaircraft outperform traditional tube-and-wing aircraft in the areas of efficiency, performance, and environmental impact, resulting in improved fleet operations while protecting our planet for future generations.' At a configuration of 196 passengers, the Horizon would have space for 108 in economy class (at 31in pitch), 48 in economy-plus (34in) and 40 in first class (38in). Natilus renderings show the potential for 'video conference pods', while there are also plans for 'club seating' configurations which would allow groups to sit together during longer flights. Crucially for prospective buyers, Natilus says its planes are being designed in a way that they can use existing airport infrastructure, plus they will use the same engines as conventional aircraft. In a 2024 interview with CNN, co-founder Matyushev said the plan is for the Horizon to go into service in the early 2030s. It appears that another manufacturer might beat them to it. California-based startup JetZero has similar ambitions to Natilus. The firm has received the backing of United Airlines, which has pre-ordered 200 of its 250-passenger Z4 plane (which is, as yet, uncertified), which it hopes to launch by 2030. At this size, the aircraft would be bigger than the single-aisle Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but smaller than their twin-aisle designs, allowing it to fill a vital gap in the market. The managing director of United Airlines's Venture has previously said the Z4's width would create a 'living room in the sky'. But it is not only focusing on producing commercial jets. JetZero received a further boost when the US Air Force put in a $235 million (£172 million) contract for a demonstrator aircraft. This, according to Frank Kendall, the US secretary of the air force, was all about 'maintaining our edge over China'. It could be that these military aircraft are developed first, paving the way for the commercial jets in the future. Other manufacturers are involved in the race. JetZero traces its origins to a Nasa-McDonnell Douglas project in the early 1990s, which culminated in a successful test-flight of a 17ft demonstrator in 1997 (the JetZero co-founder, Mark Page, led this project). Boeing went on to take on the designs after merging with McDonnell, creating the unmanned X-48B and X48-C aircraft, which were tested more than 100 times. But, ultimately, these were never put into service, as other research initiatives took precedence. Airbus has revealed plans for a BWB prototype called Maveric, showcased at a Singapore air show in 2020. While Bombardier is the first business jet manufacturer to explore the potential of the blended-wing design with its 'EcoJet' project. Despite Boeing pausing its plans, the blended-wing dream remains alive. Fuel efficiency is the chief reason. Blended-wing jets are considerably more efficient compared with tube-and-wing aircraft, because they can generate more lift at take-off and face less drag as they fly. This means the aircraft is cheaper to run and produces lower emissions. 'They do offer significant fuel savings over conventional aircraft, at least in theory, as they avoid all the common joints and fillets that create form drag, or the loss of energy from wind resistance,' says pilot Brian Smith, who flies for a British cargo airline and has previously flown with Ryanair, Emirates and Air2000 (later, First Choice). From a passenger point of view, there will be exciting bonuses. The interior would be wider and more spacious, given that the plane is not structured around a long, thin tube. This could allow for some game-changing configurations, impossible in a tubular design. Given that the wider cabin design allows for multiple aisles, the boarding and disembarkation process would likely be much quicker and more pleasant for passengers, too. By all accounts, BWB aircraft could be quieter than traditional jets. Because they are more aerodynamically efficient, they will be able to use smaller engines that generate less noise. The location of the engines above the fuselage would also shield passengers from excessive noise. Natilus estimates that its planes would be around 40 per cent quieter than tube-and-wing aircraft. And if, as Natilus suggests, the aircraft can run with 50 per cent lower operating costs, this could also allow airlines flying BWB aircraft to be priced more competitively than traditional tube-and-wing services. But there are, inevitably, some downfalls to the BWB design. Due to the plane's wider interior, fewer passengers will have a window seat. There are also concerns that evacuating a blended wing aircraft would be more difficult, given that there would be fewer exit doors available. Another challenge that BWB aircraft face is stability and control, due perhaps to the absence of a traditional tail. To counter this, designers may need to incorporate sophisticated flight control systems. There are also technical challenges around how to manage the pressurisation in a non-cylindrical fuselage. It is generally thought that the traditional tube-shaped design is better equipped to handle this. And last, but certainly not least, is the question of whether such a design would ever pass through regulators. Conventional tube-and-wing aircraft, produced by manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing which have been building them for more than half a century, must meet strict requirements before they can fly. Sometimes, these checks are so rigorous that they can lead to delivery delays. With a unique design, and chequered 100-year history, it is safe to assume there would be significant regulatory hurdles facing BWB manufacturers before they can safely take flight. Brian Smith is optimistic that airlines could be flying BWB planes in the near future: 'If they can be scaled up and produced in large enough numbers, and prove at least as high a degree of safety as conventional types, then it is likely that they will gain serious attention from airlines, both passenger and cargo,' he says. 'They will certainly be heavily computerised, and may even be the vanguard of pilotless aircraft, but they would be interesting to fly, and no self-respecting pilot would turn down the opportunity to fly one. They'll come too late for me, alas, but I am sure I will see them fly commercially in my lifetime.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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