Blended wing plane

A transatlantic effort to design a radical passenger jet that would cut greenhouse gas emissions and curb noise pollution has revealed its latest designs.The wings and fuselage of the SAX-40 merge together to form a single broad airframe a shape known as a "blended-wing". This is more aerodynamic than that of a conventional passenger jet, with the body itself generating lift. This means it would require up to 25% less fuel.The SAX-40 would also be much quieter than today's passenger jets. Its shape would allow it to land at much lower speeds, reducing the noise produced during landing. And its engines would sit on top of the fuselage, instead of hanging beneath each wing, reducing take-off noise for those on the ground below.

Source: newscientisttech.comAdded: 5 January 2007