Silent airliner on the horizon

Researchers at MIT and Cambridge University have designed a plane that will carry 215 passengers, radically reduce airport noise and save fuel.

As well as cutting engine noise, the designers focused on adapting the structure of the aircraft, which is responsible for half of the noise a plane creates on landing.

To do this they created a single flying wing, with the body of the aircraft also functioning to give lift.

This allows a slower approach which reduces noise as well as improving fuel efficiency at cruising altitudes, the researchers say.

This aircraft is expected to go into service in the year 2030.

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