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? |
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
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.
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
Behind the Scenes of the Human-Like Atlas Robot
In this video, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the incredible Atlas robot.
Do You Know the Most Important Airplanes Ever?
The invention of human flight, and the progress made ever since then has seen many a significant airplane. Here are 14 of the most important in history.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
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.
Hyperion XP-1: The Electric Car of the Future is Here
Hyperion XP-1 is a prime example of the potential of electric vehicles and is considered one of the most impressive and unique cars available.
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.
All Aboard the Fastest Steam Trains in Locomotive History!
Who doesn't feel a child-like nostalgic thrill when encountering a great, big steam engine? And these are the 18 fastest in locomotive history. Enjoy!
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
These 17 Beautiful Vintage Cars Are a Treat to the Eyes
Fan of vintage cars? Then you will love this collection.
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
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
The Bus-Train: A Game-Changer in Public Transportation
Hop aboard the 'Dual-Mode Vehicle (DMV)' – a bus that can transform into a train.
A ROYAL History of the Rolls-Royce Car
For 119 years, Rolls-Royce has exemplified a unique blend of creativity, invention, and luxury.
10 of The Most Unusual Vehicles You Will Ever See
An odd or unusual vehicle stands out in the crowd. Here we look at some of the weirdest vehicles ever made.
The Exquisite Car Making of Eras Gone By...
Fortunately for all you car aficionados we gathered images of many of the museum's cars so that you can see these incredible masterpieces of mechanical work for yourself.
These Fascinating 1950s Cars Should Have Been Released!
Amazing cars that were made in the 50s, but were never released to the general public.
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.
The Man Who Built a Train in His Basement!
Jason Shron from Rapido Trains Inc. loves VIA trains so much, he built a full-size train in his basement. Not just a copy, but a real train with the real interior and exterior of the original train! Some would call him crazy, some would appreciate hi
Why is Europe Cutting Down on Air Travel?
Europe is seriously considering a shift from air travel to high-speed railway systems, but why?
Need for Speed – France's Record-Breaking SUPERFAST Train
We’ve all heard of the Japanese bullet trains, but did you know about the TGV – France’s super fast trains?
Bristol Brabazon: A Flying Marvel with a Theater!
The Bristol Brabazon was the largest aircraft ever built by Britain. And it had a movie theater? So why did fail?
It's Crazy That These Highly Valuable Cars Were Abandoned!
It's incredible to think that these highly valuable cars were forgotten about in garages and barns for so long. Check out these incredible barn find cars.
Each of These Rare Cars is More Beautiful Than the Last...
Each of these rare cars is more beautiful than the last.
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
24 Beautiful Vintage Cars That Make Me Pine for the Past
Who wouldn't love to ride these early motor cars?
This Might Have Been the Strangest Aircraft Ever Built
The Fairey Rotodyn was a remarkable aircraft that could have transformed air travel forever. What happened to it?
Yikes! These Cars Are Truly The Worst Ever Made...
Some cars are a really a blot on the world's roads. From hideous styling, to pathetic performance and alarming safety, these 15 are the worst of the worst.
These Wonderful Cars Put Japan On the Automotive Map
Just because Japan took a while to catch up to the European manufacturers, it doesn't mean that they didn't produce some great cars along the way. Take a look.
Do You Know the Most Important Airplanes Ever?
The invention of human flight, and the progress made ever since then has seen many a significant airplane. Here are 14 of the most important in history.
Collection: The Airplanes That Conquered the Skies
Before you are 10 posts that will each take you to a world of airplanes, so you get a wide range of fascinating planes to learn about!
10 Groundbreaking Cars that Changed the Auto Industry
There have been many innovative cars that have come to market over the decades, however these 10 cars were revolutionary. Take a look at these 10 game-changers.
11 Forgotten Standard Car Features We Don't Use Anymore
Would you want these old car features to be brought back?
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!
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.
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.
Tupolev Tu-16: The Most Dangerous Soviet Passenger Plane
In the 1950s, the Soviet Union converted their popular bomber Tu-16 into a commercial airliner - a move they paid a heavy price for.
These Are Some of the Most Unusual Trains Ever Made
Join us on a fascinating journey of history’s most unusual trains.
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.
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?
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.
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.
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.
The Germans Really Knew How to Build Fine Supercars...
The Germans are renowned the world over for their engineering, but sometimes they just go completely mad. Here are 11 of the most incredible German supercars.