Does flying cost the Earth?

Eco-friendly aeroplane technologies showcased in new aviation exhibition at Science Museum

Future technology designed to cut the carbon cost of air travel will be displayed to the public for the first time in a new exhibition, Does Flying Cost the Earth?, opening at the Science Museum on 15 May.

The objects in the exhibition show how scientists and engineers are working to reduce the impact of flying on the environment by altering the aerodynamics of planes, making them more energy efficient, using lighter materials and developing greener fuels.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

Blended-wing body aeroplane
On display will be a futuristic blended-wing body aircraft model from Cambridge University a concept which has been developed as part of the Silent Aircraft Initiative. Designed to reduce fuel burn, the plane is one big flying wing, featuring a novel centre-body shape with leading edge carving. This design balances the aerodynamic forces without the need for a tail, and features streamlined wings which provide efficient lift distribution and low cruise drag.
The concept aeroplane also features engines with high capacity low speed fans designed to minimise noise levels and improve fuel efficiency. Researchers are predicting that planes like this could cut carbon emissions by 25 per cent and might become a reality by 2030.

EcoJet aeroplane
Also on display is an innovative easyJet aeroplane model. Featuring open rotor engines, the plane is designed to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent. Situated at the back of the aircraft, the open rotor engine is operated by fan blades which cut through the open air and use less fuel.

Other features include swept forward wings which make the aircraft more aerodynamic. It would also be made from lighter materials such as carbon fibre composites. This style of aeroplane could be in use by 2016.

Other objects
Other items on display include examples of lighter aircraft materials such as the titanium aluminide turbine blade from an aeroplane engine and an example of carbon fibre composite. A section from an aeroplane engine designed to make planes more energy efficient will also be on display.

Holly Cave, content developer on the exhibition, said, The aviation industry is often framed in the media as a big contributor of climate-changing emissions but the real story is that while flying has a relatively small carbon footprint now, its impact on climate change is steadily growing.

This exhibition is an ideal opportunity for visitors to see how scientists and engineers are working together to tackle aviations environmental impact and produce the aircraft of tomorrow. Visitors might also be surprised to see just how much flying can contribute to their personal carbon footprint, and can decide if they want to do something about it!

The exhibition is sponsored by EADS and will run until November 2008 in Antenna, the gallery that brings visitors whats new in science. The Antenna gallery is devoted entirely to new developments in the fast-moving world of science and technology represented through a series of constantly-updated exhibitions and live events.

Notes

The Science Museums Wellcome Wing has been made possible by two major benefactions. In the first major lottery award to the sciences, the Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed £23m and, in one of the largest grants ever made to a museum in this country, the Wellcome Trust, the independent medical research charity, has donated £17.75m.

Further generous support for the Antenna gallery is provided by Nature

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.