Flying saucers are green

Another group of aviation engineers has started looking at designs for a more environmentally sustainable aircraft. And a green flying saucer is the emblem of their approach to break out of conventional aircraft design.

The CleanEra project is a recently formed group is seeking to create an 'ultra eco-friendly plane.' Their goals include a plane that would emit 50 percent less carbon dioxide, as well as producing less noise and fewer pollutants than current planes do.

In addition to the more fanciful and exotic image of green flying saucers, the engineers are also looking at more prosaic elements as part of their approach. The current design of airplanes remains fairly unchanged, even through new generations of aircraft. Engineers are concerned that new and radically different approaches are needed to get the improvements they are looking for. Some elements that are being explored include using propellers instead of jets, using more composite materials, and exploring the use of biofuels for aircraft.

Another option is one of our favorites here at EcoGeek, airships:

"One solution might be to save fuel by shuttling vacationers in a slower, lower-flying aircraft, but then "start the party on board," de Haan suggested. It wouldn't be a flying saucer, but rather a cruise ship in the sky."

via: Bruce Sterling's Beyond the Beyond

See Also:
-Aircraft Design 3000 Times Quieter, 35% More Efficient-
-9 Steps to Green Flight-