There are two programmes on the subject of Future Flight that are now available on BBC iPlayer in the Discovery series. The link is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002w557
Interestingly, we have already had reports about the advanced Project Aurora which Jane's Defense Weekly writer Nick Cook has broadcast and written about. It is reported as using a pulse detonation engine which produces an unusual "balls of cotton wool" contrail. Irrespective of whether Aurora actually exists, I am sure that the US military has aircraft under secret development that are highly advanced just as the B2 and F117* were kept secret a couple of decades ago.
*I was actually able to stand next to and touch that sinister-looking aircraft at RAF Fairford a few years ago when it was on static display and it's an awesome piece of kit to behold.
Some of us asked before for a science and technology subforum but we got told there wasn't the interest. Problem is that even if we had one it would get swamped by the intelligent designers and conspiracy nuts!
Anyway, there seems to be lots of private interest now in hypersonic aircraft with the aim to get international business types around the world more quickly and I expect that private development will soon catch up with the military's programme.
Some of us asked before for a science and technology subforum but we got told there wasn't the interest. Problem is that even if we had one it would get swamped by the intelligent designers and conspiracy nuts!
Anyway, there seems to be lots of private interest now in hypersonic aircraft with the aim to get international business types around the world more quickly and I expect that private development will soon catch up with the military's programme.
Ideally, Mandark, we would see private investment in new civilian aircraft but the development costs could be prohibitive without the involvement of either Boeing or Airbus.
Indeed, Boeing regrettably cancelled their Sonic Cruiser* (it would have been a really nice-looking aircraft) which would have travelled at Mach 0.98 and cut journey times across the Atlantic by an hour or two. That leaves the fastest civilian passenger aircraft as Cessna Citation X which can travel at Mach 0.92.
Jet: When Britain Ruled the Skies 1: Military Marvels
BBC 4 21:00-22:00 22nd August
Should be worth watching as it deals with the classic British jets - Canberra, Meteor, Valiant, Vulcan and the Lightning (hope they mention the Buccaneer too)
Jet: When Britain Ruled the Skies 1: Military Marvels
BBC 4 21:00-22:00 22nd August
Should be worth watching as it deals with the classic British jets - Canberra, Meteor, Valiant, Vulcan and the Lightning (hope they mention the Buccaneer too)
The Canberra is remarkable because it had a long lifespan as an aircraft due to its use as a high altitude reconnaissance plane during the Cold War.
Phoenix Squadron by Rowland White is a top book if you like Buccaneers...if you aint read it allready of course
I'll give it a read. I had a couple of close enounters with Buccaneers while hill walking in the Highlands many years ago - the first time we could hear it, looked up but couldn't see anything... then we realised we were above it.
The second time we were in a car and one came over very low. As my mate said "Any lower and he'd be paying road tax!"
Comments
Just felt like sharing that…
I go on the planefiner.net website every day. I particularly like watching the helicopters flying off the coast of Aberdeen out to the oil rigs.
I love watching helicopters but I'd never go in one because they look so fragile.
Tell me that ain't sarcasm
At the recent Farnborough Airshow, we saw an appearance by the Boeing V-22 Osprey and it'll be interesting to see how short/vertical take off and landing aircraft develop in the future. Personally, I think it's unfortunate that old Fairey Rotodyne concept was never really developed. There's more about that aircraft here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotodyne
Anyone heard about the new Boeing 787?
Interestingly, we have already had reports about the advanced Project Aurora which Jane's Defense Weekly writer Nick Cook has broadcast and written about. It is reported as using a pulse detonation engine which produces an unusual "balls of cotton wool" contrail. Irrespective of whether Aurora actually exists, I am sure that the US military has aircraft under secret development that are highly advanced just as the B2 and F117* were kept secret a couple of decades ago.
*I was actually able to stand next to and touch that sinister-looking aircraft at RAF Fairford a few years ago when it was on static display and it's an awesome piece of kit to behold.
Anyway, there seems to be lots of private interest now in hypersonic aircraft with the aim to get international business types around the world more quickly and I expect that private development will soon catch up with the military's programme.
Or alternatively you could go to flyertalk.com, I use it everyday as well.
(other websites / forums are also available )
Maz
Yep!
That was the clincher for me!!
Then your going to bloody love this!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=UkWO5zVPz4g&gl=GB
Turn volume up to the max and enjoy.
Niiiiiiiiiiiiice!!
Sound of the wind was annoying though!
Ideally, Mandark, we would see private investment in new civilian aircraft but the development costs could be prohibitive without the involvement of either Boeing or Airbus.
Indeed, Boeing regrettably cancelled their Sonic Cruiser* (it would have been a really nice-looking aircraft) which would have travelled at Mach 0.98 and cut journey times across the Atlantic by an hour or two. That leaves the fastest civilian passenger aircraft as Cessna Citation X which can travel at Mach 0.92.
*Links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Cruiser
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=sonic+cruiser&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=6TUtUJmwAoag0QWR8IHIDA&ved=0CFMQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=570
Wow!
I bet they won't do this at Leuchars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPuTgcrA2Zs
Me too- I'm a female aviation geek which my housemate finds very amusing
I know my Boeings from my Airbuses.
My kind of woman
BBC 4 21:00-22:00 22nd August
Should be worth watching as it deals with the classic British jets - Canberra, Meteor, Valiant, Vulcan and the Lightning (hope they mention the Buccaneer too)
The Canberra is remarkable because it had a long lifespan as an aircraft due to its use as a high altitude reconnaissance plane during the Cold War.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Canberra
http://www.airrecce.co.uk/postww2/ac/Canberra/Canberra.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-57_Canberra
http://www.b-57canberra.org/rb57recon.htm
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=canberra+bomber&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=t9IzUJmuIubE0QWdpIDoBQ&ved=0CFMQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=570
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAoA70dSsMk&feature=related
I'll give it a read. I had a couple of close enounters with Buccaneers while hill walking in the Highlands many years ago - the first time we could hear it, looked up but couldn't see anything... then we realised we were above it.
The second time we were in a car and one came over very low. As my mate said "Any lower and he'd be paying road tax!"
Great planes.