Latest news with #Skytanic
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
From ‘Skytanic' to bizarre ‘blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030
With record-breaking ranges of 9,000 non-stop miles, to supersonic speeds that can slash flight times READY, JET, GO! From 'Skytanic' to bizarre 'blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030 TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between. Here's a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel. 7 Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747 Credit: RADIA 7 Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030 Credit: RADIA 7 The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets Credit: JetZero 7 The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030 Credit: JetZero 'Skytanic' Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747. Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030, almost a decade after the idea was put forward by aerospace firm Radia. It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo. WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft - longer than the pitch at Wembley - and will be 79ft tall. 'Blended wing' jet The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets. The unique design was just backed by United Airlines, which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes. The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030. Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4's oversized wing could create a "living room in the sky". 7 In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model Credit: YUNXING Yunxing superplane A futuristic 'superplane' that could ferry passengers from London to New York City in just 90 minutes is hoped to be in the sky by 2027. The Chinese company, Space Transportation, behind the project is reportedly inching closer towards the production of the aircraft, called Yunxing. In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model. The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) - twice as fast as the British Concorde. World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records 7 This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications Credit: Gulfstream Globe trotter The Gulfstream G800 boasts a record-breaking range, allowing it to fly an incredible 9,000 miles without stopping. This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications. It's hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030. Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop. If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe - with the exception of Sydney. It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort. 7 Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds Credit: The Mega Agency Boom Overture The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project. US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class. Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds. The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier. Laying the groundwork for Overture, Boom's XB-1 jet successfully reached supersonic speeds earlier this year. Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
From ‘Skytanic' to bizarre ‘blended wing' jet – five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030
TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between. Here's a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel. Advertisement 7 Soon to be the world's biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747 Credit: RADIA 7 Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will take to the skies by 2030 Credit: RADIA 7 The world's first "blended-wing body" plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets Credit: JetZero 7 The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030 Credit: JetZero 'Skytanic' Soon to be the world's biggest plane, Dubbed "Skytanic", the airliner will It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo. WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft - longer than the pitch at Wembley - and will be 79ft tall. Advertisement READ MORE ON AEROSPACE 'Blended wing' jet The world's first The unique design was just backed by United Airlines , which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes. The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified - but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030. Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4's oversized wing could create a "living room in the sky". Advertisement Most read in Tech 7 In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model Credit: YUNXING Yunxing superplane A The In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model. Advertisement The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) - World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records 7 This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications Credit: Gulfstream Globe trotter The This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications. Advertisement It's hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030. Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop. If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe - with the exception of Sydney. It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort. Advertisement 7 Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds Credit: The Mega Agency Boom Overture The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project. US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class. Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds. Advertisement The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier. Laying the groundwork for Overture, Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets There are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what's been happening in the industry and what's expected in the coming years. Talon-A Built by Stratolaunch Reported speeds of Mach 5 The first test flight conducted in 2024 Built by Nasa and Lockheed Martin Predicted max speeds of Mach 1.4 The first test flight in 2024 - but subject to delays Built by Venus Aerospace and Velontra Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 2.5 First test flight in 2026 Built by Hermeus Predicted max speeds of Mach 5 First test flight by 2030 Built by China's hypersonic plane programme Predicted max speeds of Mach 6 First test flight in 2025 Built by Hypersonix Launch Systems Predicted max speeds of Mach 7 First test flight in 2025
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
World's biggest aeroplane 'Skytanic' dwarfs Boeing 747 in size longer than football pitch
The plane is set to take off in 2030 The world's largest plane, cheekily nicknamed 'Skytanic', has shocked aircraft enthusiasts with its gigantic size, with its vast measurements rivalling the length of a football pitch. The vessel will take flight within the next five years. Energy firm Radia is spearheading an audacious project to construct a mammoth aircraft named WindRunner. The plane, measuring 108m in length, would outsize a Boeing 747 by carrying twelve times its load and being 38m longer. The impressive aircraft has a unique mission - transporting enormous wind turbine blades to remote locations. Given their size, these blades are among the world's longest objects, potentially limiting the cargo jet to carry just one at a time. Some of these gigantic blades weigh in at approximately 26,000kg, reports the Mirror. Paul Hanna, Radia's vice-president of marketing, spoke about the complex transportation issues associated with wind turbine blades, explaining: "It takes a year and a half to plan a move of these things down a highway. "You've got road bridges to get underneath, traffic signs that need to come down, homes that are near the off-ramp that may have to be moved." Radia's goal is to tackle significant logistical challenges involved in moving these hefty offshore blades, currently a complicated process due to their immense size, and could potentially facilitate the expansion of wind farms. In the near future, wind turbine blades are predicted to extend from 70 metres to 100 metres in length, enabling them to capture more wind while rotating in a slower, less disruptive manner. Already, some companies have had to construct special roads to transport blades of current lengths, as they pose considerable difficulties when navigating through tunnels and under bridges. Radia has identified a novel solution to the logistical challenges of transporting turbine blades by taking to the skies. Over the last ten years, they've been developing the WindRunner, an immense aircraft boasting a cargo space twelve times that of a Boeing 747. The firm aims to have the aircraft airborne before the decade's end. Once operational, it will claim the title of the largest plane ever flown, surpassing the Ukrainian Mriya jet, which met its demise at the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. Rocket scientist Mark Lundstrom is instrumental in shaping the design. He declared that the "only viable solution" for moving large wind turbine blades is to construct a colossal aircraft, thus leading to the creation of the WindRunner. Despite its staggering size, with a height of 24m and a wingspan of 79m, the aircraft can transport just one 105m blade or a maximum of three 80m blades at once. Hanna has unveiled high hopes for Radia to initiate airborne blade transportation by 2030, telling Aerospace magazine about his visionary target. He said: "We have the opportunity to take a dramatic and lasting amount of CO2 out of the atmosphere and we're giving the aerospace industry the chance to participate in reducing the cost of energy by as much as 30 per cent." Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Lundstrom underlined the primary impetus for their initiative. "The necessity to fight climate change is something that's a big motivating factor," he went on. "It's very unique to be able to have an aerospace solution to climate change, as opposed to contributing to the problem. For an aerospace engineer or company to contribute their skills to fighting climate change, instead of just optimising passenger seat miles or making a defence product, is a unique opportunity for the aerospace industry to get exposure into the energy world and also be able to take many percentage points of CO2 out of the world." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New train route to link one of UK's best seaside towns with major northern city
Aviva Grand Central has announced plans for a new service that would link up Newcastle and Brighton for the first time. It is likely to be up and running from December 2026 A new train route would directly link two cities at opposite ends of the country. Aviva Grand Central has announced plans for a new service that would link up Newcastle and Brighton for the first time. The new railway journey would directly connect the south coast with the northeast, travelling via Birmingham, York and London Gatwick. It would mean that travellers would no longer need to change trains in London, saving time and effort for those fancying a trip north or south. Arriva's Grand Central brand has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for permission to start the new service. Although the travel time hasn't been revealed yet, the current average journey time from Brighton to Newcastle is four hours and 20 minutes. It is likely that the trip would be quicker without a stop in the middle. If the request is approved, then the service is likely to be up and running five times a day in each direction from December next year. READ MORE: World's biggest plane 'Skytanic' is longer than a football pitch and will take-off in 2030 Here's the full list of proposed stops for the route. Newcastle Durham Darlington Northallerton York Doncaster Sheffield Derby Burton-on-Trent Birmingham New Street Warwick Parkway Banbury Oxford Reading Wokingham Guildford Redhill London Gatwick Haywards Heath Brighton Paul Hutchings, managing director of Arriva UK Trains' rail services, said: "We're committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable, so we're very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity – all while building on Grand Central's proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities." Each of the new trains will have capacity for 300 passengers, including luggage space for airport travellers, in addition to on-board catering, wi-fi and charging points. There is plenty for Geordies visiting Brighton to look forward to, and vice versa. Check out our guides to both cities, which include a rundown of the best things to do in both. The new route will also provide a direct train link to Gatwick for towns in the North East and Midlands such as Northallerton, Warwick and Burton-on-Trent. That means an extended list of destinations abroad for those customers to choose from. Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer of Gatwick Airport, said: 'We welcome Arriva's exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East, and are excited about the opportunities this proposed service could bring. "London Gatwick is keen to encourage passengers to use public transport and this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment. London Gatwick already boasts an extensive network supported by strong relationships with transport providers, making the airport the best connected in the UK by public transport." Grand Central currently runs services connecting Sunderland and Bradford with London King's Cross. The Sunderland service runs via Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York and Peterborough.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
World's biggest plane ‘Skytanic' is longer than a football pitch and will take-off in 2030
The plane, dubbed WindRunner, would be the largest aircraft ever built and would be able to carry 12 times more than a Boeing 747. The 356ft long aircraft would be capable of carrying 12 times the weight of a Boeing 747 The world's biggest ever plane dubbed 'Skytanic' will take-off in five years or less. Radia, an energy company, is embarking on an ambitious aeronautical venture to develop a gargantuan aircraft named WindRunner. This massive plane, stretching 108m in length, would dwarf a Boeing 747 by carrying twelve times its load, while being 38m longer. Rocket scientist Mark Lundstrom plays a pivotal role in crafting the design of this grand aircraft intended for a unique purpose: transporting colossal wind turbine blades to far-flung locations. Such blades rank among the world's lengthiest objects, potentially restricting the cargo jet to haul just one at a time. Radia aims to overcome major logistical hurdles associated with moving these bulky offshore blades, currently a complex task due to their sheer size. This endeavour could pave the way for an increase in wind farms, which Radia, established in 2016, strongly supports. Some of these mammoth blades tip the scales at around 26,000kg. In the coming years, wind turbine blades are expected to grow from 70 metres to 100 metres long, to catch more wind while also rotating in a slower, less disruptive fashion. Already, some companies have had to build special roads to transport blades at their current length, as they've proven so difficult to transport through tunnels and under bridges. Radia has seen an opportunity to overcome the logistical opportunities by taking turbine blades to the air. For the past decade it has been working on the WindRunner, a huge plane with a cargo volume a dozen times bigger than a Boeing 747. The company plans to get the plane up in the air before the end of the decade, New York Times reports. When it does, it will be the biggest plane ever to fly - dwarfing the Ukranian jet Mriya, which was destroyed at the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022. Addressing the transportation issues tied to wind turbine blades, Paul Hanna, Radia's vice-president of marketing, detailed some painstaking logistics to a publication: "It takes a year and a half to plan a move of these things down a highway. You've got road bridges to get underneath, traffic signs that need to come down, homes that are near the off-ramp that may have to be moved." Lundstrom has stated that the "only viable solution" for transporting large wind turbine blades was to create an enormous aircraft, hence the birth of the WindRunner. Despite the mammoth dimensions of a 24m height and 79m long wingspan, the craft can only carry a single 105m blade or up to three 80m blades in one go. With aspirations for Radia to kick-off aerial blade transport by 2030, Hanna expressed his ambitious goal to Aerospace: "We have the opportunity to take a dramatic and lasting amount of CO2 out of the atmosphere, and we're giving the aerospace industry the opportunity to participate in reducing the cost of energy by as much as 30%." Addressing the World Economic Forum, Lundstrom highlighted the driving force behind their project: "The necessity to fight climate change is something that's a big motivating factor. "It's very unique to be able to have an aerospace solution to climate change, as opposed to contributing to the problem. And so for an aerospace engineer or for an aerospace company to be able to contribute their skills to fighting climate change, instead of just optimizing passenger seat miles or making a defence product, this is a unique opportunity for the aerospace industry to both get exposure into the energy world, and also be able to take many percentage points of CO2 out of the world."
