Defence and aerospace giant BAE reveals four technologies that could transform aircraft engineering by 2040
Defence and aerospace giant BAE Systems has seemingly borrowed from Hollywood script-writers with futuristic concepts for military and civil aircraft.
The company has revealed four technologies it reckons could transform the way aircraft engineering could evolve by 2040.
Dubbed ‘The Transformer’, one design envisages smaller combat jets that join together in flight to boost fuel efficiency and increase their range before splitting up to attack.
New technology: The Transformer, pictured, envisages smaller combat jets that join together in flight to boost fuel efficiency and increase their range before splitting up to attack
Once they have reached their objectives the mini-craft can then rejoin for the flight home.
‘The Survivor’ system would allow military jets to heal themselves if hit by enemy fire. A lightweight adhesive fluid inside tiny carbon tubes that form part of the aircraft’s structure would be released mid-flight to patch up any damage.
Another concept imagines unmanned aircraft created by hi-tech 3D printers on-board larger aircraft that can be printed off when required. Once launched they would respond to human commands via remote control.
Most reminiscent of the Star Wars films, however, is the Directed Energy Systems project which could fire a concentrated beam of energy at the speed of light.
Already used on battlefields to try and protect ground troops from incoming missiles, it could soon be adapted for use on aircraft. BAE is looking to bolster its research activities and beef up export sales in response to dwindling defence budgets.
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