Just 100 years ago, getting from America to Europe was a voyage that took several days by ocean liners. With the invention of airplanes, that travel time was significantly shortened to under 24 hours. At the apex of the era of transatlantic flight, the Concorde was able to fly 100 passengers at Mach 2.0 speeds from New York to London in just over 3.5 hours. |
Sources: 1 | 2 |
Now, the European Space Agency (ESA) just greenlighted the next stage of modern transportation – the hypersonic flight. The ESA has approved a new round of funding to project LAPCAT (Long-Term Advanced Propulsion Concepts and Technologies). |
Ignoring its funny name, the new plane will fly at Mach 5.0 speed (that’s five times the speed of sound!), using liquid hydrogen engines. The planes will be able to travel from England to Australia in four hours, carry 300 passengers and even fly to space in just 15 minutes. The new kind of engine is being developed by the British company Reaction Engines, who are said to invest over 60 million GBP in the development, and are going to start builing a full-scale prototype engine. |
Current jet engines require that airplanes carry liquid oxygen as a coolant because in speeds beyond Mach 3.0 the engines cannot use external oxygen for cooling. The new type of engine can use external oxygen freely, allowing it to cool down its engines from over 1,000°c (1,832°f) to -150°c (-328°f) in a fraction of a second.
|
Experts are hailing this development as the biggest advancement in aviation since the invention of the jet engine. The cost of a single plane is estimated to be a whopping $1.1 Billion and will have no windows. |
This interesting video explains the LAPCAT's abilities: |
So would you be willing to fly in a windowless super-fast rocket? |
How to Maximize Productivity With Study Planner Apps
These apps are designed to help students organize their study schedules, track their progress, and ultimately achieve their academic goals with greater ease.
Science Lesson: Why is Space Black?
This video will explain why exactly space is the color it is - black.
Big Brother Watching: The Amazing Argo Camera!
We know that there are satellites up there with amazing cameras, that can see almost everything happening on the ground. However, it's one thing to know this and quite another to see how far we've come with our camera technology. Meet Argo, a camera
Behind the Scenes of the Human-Like Atlas Robot
In this video, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the incredible Atlas robot.
Would You Live On the Moon? Discover the Possibilities...
Did you know that the human race actually has the cash and resources available to start building a base on the moon today? Find out more here.
New Robots: This Robot Uses Both Wheels AND Legs
This robot can get just about anywhere in little time because it uses both wheels and legs to get over most hurdles.
8 Fascinating Facts from the World of Vehicles
We have collected 8 fascinating facts you may not have known about cars.
Tupolev Tu-16: The Most Dangerous Soviet Passenger Plane
In the 1950s, the Soviet Union converted their popular bomber Tu-16 into a commercial airliner - a move they paid a heavy price for.
It's Crazy That These Highly Valuable Cars Were Abandoned!
It's incredible to think that these highly valuable cars were forgotten about in garages and barns for so long. Check out these incredible barn find cars.
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
I Have No Idea What These Drivers Were Thinking...
These crazy car drivers are off the chart wacky!
What a $130 Million Car Collection Looks Like...
This British man sold an incredible collection of cars worth over $130m...
24 Beautiful Vintage Cars That Make Me Pine for the Past
Who wouldn't love to ride these early motor cars?
How Would It Feel To Drive The World's First Car? Find Out
Looking at vintage cars is fascinating, isn't it? Here you will get to see what it feels like to drive the replica of the world's first car.
15 Stunning Aviation Photos That Inspire Awe
We’ve compiled some of the coolest and most amazing photos of aircraft and aviation that we guarantee you will love.
Bugatti Veyron Vs. Euro Fighter Jet Plane: Who Wins?
2 of the fastest air and land vehicles collide to determine the grand champion of speed. Who will emerge victorious?
Join Us for a Tour of 8 Giant, Luxurious Cruises
8 vessels that will undoubtedly inspire you to plan a future sailing vacation aboard them - complete with accompanying videos showcasing their delightful features.
These Wonderful Cars Put Japan On the Automotive Map
Just because Japan took a while to catch up to the European manufacturers, it doesn't mean that they didn't produce some great cars along the way. Take a look.
This Might Have Been the Strangest Aircraft Ever Built
The Fairey Rotodyn was a remarkable aircraft that could have transformed air travel forever. What happened to it?
We Bet You've Never Seen Cars Stranger Than These
These cars are undoubtedly the strangest cars that you have ever seen.
Invisible Warfare: Impressive Stealth Aircrafts!
The most advanced stealth airplanes around the world are a technological marvel.
These Are the 10 of the Fastest Trains On the Planet...
Trains are a huge part of how we get things from place to place. But which are the fastest, and why is that?
14 Pics of Old Cars Being Restored To Their Original Glory
It’s so satisfying to see these classic cars being restored to their original glory.
These Cold-War Military Jets Are Amazing Pieces of Work
These airplanes saw action during the extremely tense cold war. Looking at how big and powerful they are, it's a god send things didn't spiral out of control!
Bristol Brabazon: A Flying Marvel with a Theater!
The Bristol Brabazon was the largest aircraft ever built by Britain. And it had a movie theater? So why did fail?
These Cars from the 40s and 50s Are Still Beautiful to Me
These classic US Cars of the 40s and 50s will make you feel nostalgic.
Presenting 15 of the Biggest Airplanes Ever Built
These are the biggest and juiciest airplanes every piloted. I bet you'd love to ride on one of these beauties!
Takeoff to Touchdown: The Science of Flight Explained!
Ever wondered how do planes actually fly? This video explains it all in the simplest way possible.
Discover the Delights of the Darjeeling Line In India
The intrepid explorer, Mark Twain, took this train journey on his travels through Asia during the late 19th Century. Come and explore this enchanting railway.
Oh Dear! How Did THAT Happen?
35 Awesome photos of people with no parking skills what so ever...
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
A ROYAL History of the Rolls-Royce Car
For 119 years, Rolls-Royce has exemplified a unique blend of creativity, invention, and luxury.
Why is Europe Cutting Down on Air Travel?
Europe is seriously considering a shift from air travel to high-speed railway systems, but why?
15 of the World's Most Beautiful Historic Race Cars
These race cars weren't only effective on track, they also happen to be absolutely stunning to look at. Here are 15 of the most beautiful race cars ever.
These 17 Beautiful Vintage Cars Are a Treat to the Eyes
Fan of vintage cars? Then you will love this collection.
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
When People Messed With Their Cars… With Bizarre Results
Sometimes people make the weirdest modifications in their cars. Take a look.
The Great Lakes Claimed Many Ships - Here Are 7 Of Them
The Great Lakes used to be America's busiest highways. Unfortunately, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Here are the stories of 7 shipwrecks haunting the lakes.
The Golden Age of Two Wheels: Exploring Classic Motorbikes
Today, let’s ride back to the past and explore some of the most iconic motorcycles in history.
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
Some People Have the Strangest Cars...
Photos of some of the most bizarre automobiles you've ever seen.
It's Incredible That These Weird Planes Ever Took Flight...
Some very clever men have created some extremely weird vehicles in the past century. In fact, these are probably the most bizarre aircraft ever. Take a look.
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
The Bus-Train: A Game-Changer in Public Transportation
Hop aboard the 'Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV)' – a bus that can transform into a train.
Paul Allen's Collection of WWII Planes Is Staggering!
This amazing group of planes was amassed by billionaire Paul Allen. These incredibly rare WWII fighters can be enjoyed by the general public. Take a look.
Rolling Sculptures: The Most Beautiful Art Deco Cars Ever
The art deco era arguably gave rise to the most beautiful cars ever built. Let's take a journey back in time and see 12 of these extraordinary vehicles.
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?