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Boeing Reveals Plans For Plane That Could Travel From Europe To Australia In Five Hours

Boeing Reveals Plans For Plane That Could Travel From Europe To Australia In Five Hours

The new plane would travel at five times the speed of sound

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Have you ever fancied a trip to Australia, but been put off by the thought of spending an entire day on a plane? Then I have good news for you, because aircraft manufacturer Boeing has revealed plans for a flight between Australia and Europe that takes just five hours.

During a presentation at the 2018 American Institute of Aeronautics Aviation, the US company shared designs for a new plane that could travel at up to 4038mph (6500kph) - or five times the speed of sound, if you want to get technical about it.


Kevin Bowcutt, who has the brilliant job title of chief hypersonic scientist, said: "We're excited about the potential of hypersonic technology to connect the world faster than ever before.

"Boeing is building upon a foundation of six decades of work designing, developing and flying experimental hypersonic vehicles."

He didn't specify a time-frame of when the plane will be a reality, but it's believed that the new aircraft could be here and ready for passenger flights in the next 20 to 30 years.

In a statement, the company said: "This is just one of several hypersonic vehicle concepts spanning a wide range of potential applications company engineers are studying.

Boeing
Boeing

"Engineers are working company-wide to develop enabling technology which will position the company for the time when customers and markets are ready to reap the benefits of hypersonic flight."

Earlier this year, Qantas Airways performed the first non-stop flight from London to Perth using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The plane took 17 hours to make the 9,009-mile journey, shaving three hours off the usual flight time, which involves a stop-off and re-fuel in the Middle East.

The inauguralflight's captain Lisa Norman told the West Australian: "We have been working towards (this) for the past three years and it's very exciting.

"When I joined Qantas not in my wildest imagination would I have thought this possible."

The Dreamliners boast 42 business class flat-bed seats, 28 premium economy seats and 166 economy seats; they also have bigger windows, improved air quality and smart tech that reduces turbulence. Fancy.


via GIPHY

Aviation consultant John Strickland told the Press Association: "It will be a further test of how successful airlines can be with ultra-long-haul flying and whether this delivers sufficient profitability to justify the investment in aircraft.

"Qantas will certainly be hoping to attract a higher proportion of premium customers due to the speed advantage combined with the 787's better cabin atmosphere."

I'll bet I'll still get sat beside a screaming baby, though.

Featured Image Credit: Boeing

Topics: flight, Science, World News, Technology, airline