Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Airplanes: 2008 to Future

2008-2009:

Currently, commercial aircraft companies are focusing on creating aircrafts with higher technology and fuel efficiency while attempting to minimize operating costs. The majority of aircrafts are mid-sized (seating around 300 passengers) but they are gradually growing in size and capacity.

Major Trends in Design:

Fuel Efficiency:
Producing a fuel-efficient aircraft lowers operating costs and is also more environmentally friendly. Current aircrafts use 3.5 litres per 100 passenger km and are 20% more fuel-efficient than those from 10 years ago. Each kg of fuel saved reduces carbon-dioxide emissions by 3.16 kg. By using more efficient engines, airplanes can run for longer on less fuel and also decrease their negative impact on the atmosphere.

Technology:
Although aircraft configuration looks similar to how it was 40 years back, there have been drastic reductions in cost due to improvements in aerodynamics, structures and materials, control systems, and propulsion technology. Composites are materials used in the construction of aircrafts in place of aluminum. They are combinations consisting of two or more components. One material is the 'matrix', or the material that holds it all together, while the other material is a reinforcement, in the form of fibers embedded in the matrix. Composite materials are necessary in order to produce stronger, safer, lighter, and more fuel-efficient aircrafts.These composite materials are both lightweight and strong. The more an aircraft weighs the more fuel it burns, thus composite technology is important to reducing aircraft weight.

The Two largest aircraft producers, Boeing and Airbus, are working to incorporate these elements in their newest designs.

Boeing:
Released the 787, a mid-sized airplane seating 330, which has high fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and new technology.

Airbus:
Released the A380 in 2007 which is a double-decker, seating over 800 passengers. It cut operating costs, utilizes new technology and has high fuel efficiency (beating out the 787).

2010-2012:

Aircraft design trends are beginning to turn to larger airplanes which will continue on into the future. Double-deckers are beginning to take the forefront in aircraft design. Fuel efficiency and operating costs will continue to be taken into consideration as well as maximizing passenger space and safety. One idea is that of face-to-face seating. Though this isn't entirely popular with passengers it could drastically lower airline ticket costs.
Another idea is that of personal aircrafts. Creating a plane that is simple to use and affordable for the average person has been a longtime dream of aircraft companies. Though this won't happen anytime in the near future, steps are already being taken to develop designs and discover the limitations of the 'every man's' airplane.

Posted by: Kaila Evenoff and Lindsey Jamieson

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