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.
Most watched Money videos
- The new Volkswagen Passat - a long range PHEV that's only available as an estate
- Mercedes has finally unveiled its new electric G-Class
- Iconic Dodge Charger goes electric as company unveils its Daytona
- Skoda reveals Skoda Epiq as part of an all-electric car portfolio
- How to invest for income and growth: SAINTS' James Dow
- How to invest to beat tax raids and make more of your money
- Mini unveil an electrified version of their popular Countryman
- 'Now even better': Nissan Qashqai gets a facelift for 2024 version
- Land Rover unveil newest all-electric Range Rover SUV
- 2025 Aston Martin DBX707: More luxury but comes with a higher price
- Tesla unveils new Model 3 Performance - it's the fastest ever!
- Mail Online takes a tour of Gatwick's modern EV charging station
- Shawbrook didn't transfer my cash Isa and paid just 0.1%...
- Delivery app Getir pulls out of UK in major setback for...
- First profit for Vinted as young shoppers turn their...
- Inflation 'brought to heel' as shop prices rise by just...
- I paid my Thames Water bill when I moved - now it says I...
- FCA at war with City over plan to 'name and shame' firms...
- Is the UK relying too much on interest rate cuts to drive...
- Hargreaves Lansdown and St James's Place cash-in on Isa...
- MARKET REPORT: Frasers Group in fashion as it unveils...
- Online state pension top-ups FINALLY launch after This is...
- Tesla surges on hopes of Chinese self-driving deal
- Charlotte Tilbury owner Puig set for £12bn Spanish float
- BHP urged to improve its offer for rival Anglo American
- Last chance to bag a FREE railcard by signing up to these...
- Britain is seeing the green shoots of a recovery, says...
- US private equity giant in £1.3bn swoop for troubled...
- BUSINESS LIVE: HSBC boss Quinn to retire; Whitbread hikes...
- HSBC shocks market as boss Noel Quinn retires after...