Tag

Aircraft Design

All articles tagged with #aircraft design

technology1 year ago

"Revolutionary Aircraft Design Sets Sights on World's Largest Flying Machine"

Radia, a Colorado-based energy startup, is developing the WindRunner airplane, aiming to create the largest aircraft in aviation history to deliver gigantic 300-foot-long blades directly to wind farms. The aircraft will use sustainable aviation fuel, operate from regional hubs, and require only a simple packed-dirt or gravel runway to land on. With a cargo bay volume of 272,000 cubic feet and a wingspan of 261 feet, the WindRunner is designed to meet aerospace industry standards and could potentially start commercial operations as soon as 2027. The development of WindRunner is intended to enable the deployment of XXL turbines, which could be two to three times more powerful and profitable than those typically deployed today.

aviation-safety2 years ago

"Boeing 737 MAX Crisis: Lawsuits and Safety Concerns Mount"

The door plug of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 came off inflight, leading to rapid depressurization and subsequent grounding of the aircraft type. Inspections have revealed loose door plugs on other planes, raising concerns about potential design flaws or structural issues. The possibility of structural flexing due to the heavier engines of the MAX 9 and the lack of additional structural support in the area where the door plug is located needs to be investigated. If bolts continue to loosen, it could indicate a design issue with the aircraft, prompting the need for frequent inspections and potential reinforcement.

space2 years ago

"NASA's Mars Helicopter: New Design Tested on Earth for Continued Experiments"

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter continues to make test flights on Mars, surpassing expectations with 66 flights and providing valuable data for future aircraft designs. Meanwhile, on Earth, NASA is testing new rotor blades for potential use in future Mars helicopters. The blades, made of carbon material and longer than Ingenuity's, have reached speeds close to the speed of sound. The tests aim to find the right balance between speed and control to support bigger and more complex helicopters.