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? |
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.
The Disappearing Computer: Revolution on a Personal Scale
What happens when we lose the physical large computer all together? This lecture explains what ahead for computers.
The Only Manmade Object That Will Last Forever
This copper discus contains 116 images we launched into space for aliens to see
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.
Welcome to the Fastest Maze-Solving Competition Ever Made...
Welcome to Micromouse, a competition for the quick of eyes and the quick of minds. This is the oldest robotics race.
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
The 60s Had Some of the Most Beautiful Car Designs Ever
The 1960s were an era of great music, beautiful fashion and absolutely gorgeous cars.
Exploring 5 of the Most Famous Pilots in History
The fascinating stories of men and women who dared to explore flight when it was still a young technology.
24 Beautiful Vintage Cars That Make Me Pine for the Past
Who wouldn't love to ride these early motor cars?
12 of the Weirdest Things Car Mechanics Saw on the Job
Turns out car mechanics regularly spot all kinds of crazy things on the job. Take a look at these 12 highlights
17 Bizarre Autos That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Explore the world of weird cars that defy the norms of automotive design.
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
This is What Happens to Your Car When You Hit Speed Bumps
Ever wonder what happens to your car when you go over speed bumps? This video will show you using a transparent car.
These Are the Strangest Vehicles I've Ever Laid Eyes On.
From a five person bike to giant monstrosities, these are some of the wildest designs for vehicles we've ever seen! Take a look!
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
These Classic Beauties Are Unbelievably Pricey and Rare
Each year, many a beautiful car changes hands, but some are the creme de la creme of the entire world. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, all in one place
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.
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!
A ROYAL History of the Rolls-Royce Car
For 119 years, Rolls-Royce has exemplified a unique blend of creativity, invention, and luxury.
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
When People Messed With Their Cars… With Bizarre Results
Sometimes people make the weirdest modifications in their cars. Take a look.
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
Working for Years, This Student Built Something Incredible
he following pictures showcase Luca's exceptional talent and the incredible model he built of a Boeing 777
The Dubious History of the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is a special vehicle and it has a long and very complicated history...
Why is Europe Cutting Down on Air Travel?
Europe is seriously considering a shift from air travel to high-speed railway systems, but why?
“What Did You Do to Your Car?!” – Bizarre Modifications
These car modifications have gone out of hand!
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?
Behold the World's Most Expensive Cars, 2023 Edition
we have some incredible vehicles to show you. Are they worth the super-sized price tag? Only you can decide...
James Bond's Best 15 Cars, Boats and Planes!
James Bond is a movie icon, but the super-spy would not have been half as effective without his fleet of luxury vehicles armed with his signature gadgets.
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.
I Thought I'd Seen it All... Until I Saw These Cars...
These owners must have spent a fortune putting their strange creations together on wheels.
Unique Classic Cars of Exceptional Historical Value
These are the some of finest specimens of automobile design, the classic shapes and timeless look of which can leave no one indifferent
8 Fascinating Facts from the World of Vehicles
We have collected 8 fascinating facts you may not have known about cars.
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.
Has There Ever Been a Greater Era For Beautiful Cars?
These have been many great automotive eras, but the 21st Century has seen many technologically incredible and truly beautiful cars released. Here is the top 10.
The 10 Worst Jet Airplanes Ever to Fly...
From the farcical, to the catastrophic and downright dangerous, these are the 10 worst jet airplanes ever.
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 Remarkable Cars Broke the Land Speed Record!
Having broken the speed of sound, designers are developing a car designed to travel at 1000 mph. Here are the other cars that have broken the land speed record.
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 Fascinating 1950s Cars Should Have Been Released!
Amazing cars that were made in the 50s, but were never released to the general public.
Is This the Most Luxurious Train in World?
The Japanese train we’re about to show you is unlike any other public transportation you’ve seen.
These Were the Fastest Production Cars Money Could Buy
Many records have been broken as part of man's relentless pursuit of more and more speed. Each of these 16 cars has held the production car speed record.
11 People Who Took Automobile Customization Way too Far
A collection of funny pictures of over-the-top car modifications
Bakfiets – The Unique Car-Replacement Bicycle
Today, we would like to share with you a unique vehicle that can make commuting around the city much easier.
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...
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.
Lost in Time: The Forgotten Flying Wing…
Let's take a look at the forgotten flying wing aircraft that was decades ahead of its time.