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Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

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11–20 of 88 posts

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#11

Isn‘t such a design a recipe for lot‘s of ice getting into the engine in the winter if one is not super careful?

This is a superior design for operating off unpaved airstrips. If the landing gear is robust enough, this could handily supplement the C130's capabilities. They can always place heaters on top to manage any ice accumulation.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#12

Isn‘t such a design a recipe for lot‘s of ice getting into the engine in the winter if one is not super careful?

there will be any number of design issues for them to solve and this will certainly be one of them. it doesn't seem insurmountable, though.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#13
post #8
post #4

It used to be said this would fail in passenger markets because windows. The reality of long haul travel these days is that windows are really only "I can lean here" choices which restrict access to the aisle, for any trans-oceanic journey. For domestic flights, I am sure there are window seat aficionado who will continue to pay for window in flight. For everyone else, and by current seating maps there are a LOT more…

The real problems seem to be the outside dimensions (primarily width) of the BWB and the question of how to evacuate such a geometry effectively.

Well, you also have more places to put evacuation corridors and extra doors.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#14
post #7
post #4

It used to be said this would fail in passenger markets because windows. The reality of long haul travel these days is that windows are really only "I can lean here" choices which restrict access to the aisle, for any trans-oceanic journey. For domestic flights, I am sure there are window seat aficionado who will continue to pay for window in flight. For everyone else, and by current seating maps there are a LOT more…

It would fail because people farther from the center of the plain would feel more extreme movement as the plane banks on turns.

Maybe that’s where the luggage should go then…?

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#16
post #4

It used to be said this would fail in passenger markets because windows. The reality of long haul travel these days is that windows are really only "I can lean here" choices which restrict access to the aisle, for any trans-oceanic journey. For domestic flights, I am sure there are window seat aficionado who will continue to pay for window in flight. For everyone else, and by current seating maps there are a LOT more…

Maybe we’d gain enough space for a designated viewing area passengers could visit.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#17
post #4

It used to be said this would fail in passenger markets because windows. The reality of long haul travel these days is that windows are really only "I can lean here" choices which restrict access to the aisle, for any trans-oceanic journey. For domestic flights, I am sure there are window seat aficionado who will continue to pay for window in flight. For everyone else, and by current seating maps there are a LOT more…

If this is the only practical solution for hydrogen fuelled aircraft, then it can't fail in passenger markets because there will be no other alternative to compete against once kerosene is too ecologically taxed.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#18
Nice. NASA and Airbus have both flown blended-wing unmanned test aircraft.

Not sure what role this serves for the USAF. It's a transport. Wider loads? Stealth?

The US has had total air superiority in every conflict since the Korean War. That's over. The Ukraine war makes it clear. Against a competent opponent, most of what flies will die. There are just too many man-portable and truck-mounted systems that can take down aircraft. Zipping over hostile territory in helicopters is pretty much out. Flying big, fat transports over contested territory is out. Anything that flies over hostile terrain had better be able to hide, evade, counter, and fight back.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#19
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The real problems seem to be the outside dimensions (primarily width) of the BWB and the question of how to evacuate such a geometry effectively.

Well, you also have more places to put evacuation corridors and extra doors.

There are fewer viable spots to put evacuation doors than a conventional tube. The greater internal space means a lot more potential redundancy and width and not necessarily more distance for evacuation routes, but traditional airline economics means packing it with seats.

Re: Air Force funds ‘blended wing body’ design for long-range, fuel-efficient flight

#20
post #16
post #4

It used to be said this would fail in passenger markets because windows. The reality of long haul travel these days is that windows are really only "I can lean here" choices which restrict access to the aisle, for any trans-oceanic journey. For domestic flights, I am sure there are window seat aficionado who will continue to pay for window in flight. For everyone else, and by current seating maps there are a LOT more…

Maybe we’d gain enough space for a designated viewing area passengers could visit.

I love your optimism. There are already designating viewing areas and bars for people who shell out first class $$$. But vast majority of people happen to be rational economic agents who choose lower price tickets. So the reality is - there will just be more seats.
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