Silent flight in distant future

Researchers at MIT and Cambridge University have released a design for a passenger plane that will be virtually silent.

The conceptual design was released by a long-range research venture, the Silent Aircraft Initiative. The aircraft, called SAX-40, will make as much noise as a washing machine because of its unique shape and design features.

The design, resembling a single flying wing, would blend fuselage and wings together so that the entire airframe provides lift. Instead of wing-mounted engines, the SAX-40 is designed with the air in-takes embedded into the top of the plane, shielding people on the ground from engine noise. According to the designers, the shape of the plane would allow for a slower takeoff and landing, reducing airport noise, and would decrease the amount of fuel used by 25%.

The aircraft is expected to be in the developing stages by 2030, but it is unknown whether the plane could become a commercial success. More than 30 aviation companies from around the world participated in the design, including Boeing Co. and Rolls-Royce.

The projected aircraft is designed to hold 215 passengers and achieve fuel efficiency of 149 passenger-miles per gallon.