The startup Destinus, based in Switzerland, is developing an airplane that promises to shorten many trips worldwide.
To get an idea, the company claims that its hypersonic aircraft will be able to make a flight between São Paulo, Brazil, and Shanghai, China, in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Today, a trip between these two cities takes 22 hours – depending on the route.
The feat would be possible through a technology that allows the aircraft to fly at more than five times the speed of sound, using hydrogen as fuel.
The company says that the feat does not compromise the aircraft’s cost, versatility, or noise.
WHAT IS THE PLANE LIKE
According to CNN, Destinus has already developed two prototypes that have been successfully tested.
A third prototype should make its maiden flight by the end of the year.
Martina Löfqvist, the startup’s development manager, told the network that the strategy is to produce drones on a smaller scale and then scale up to produce larger aircraft.
The design reuses a format developed in 1950 but never used, called waverider.
The Alps, referencing the startup’s origin, inspire the plane’s paint job.
“The goal is to make the aircraft fly on top of shock waves generated by itself.”
“It’s a very efficient format, using less fuel to fly because you have less resistance with the air,” Löfqvist explained to CNN.
The prototype is about 10 meters long.
The expectation is that by 2024 the company will have succeeded in making a supersonic flight powered by hydrogen.
HYDROGEN AS FUEL
On its website, Destinus states that its planes combine the most advanced aerospace technologies.
Long distances at high speeds would be possible using hydrogen as fuel.
Hydrogen, the company explains, can be produced from water through electrolysis using renewable energy.
The fuel is also better for the environment since when it is burned, it produces heat and water.
Destinus also says that the expense of producing hydrogen is decreasing, which should help to lower the cost of flying.
WHEN WILL THE PLANE BE AVAILABLE?
On its website, Destinus says that any airline can purchase the aircraft.
The startup claims that the plane can be used at conventional airports.
But it should still be a while before the aircraft is available.
By 2030, Destinus is expected to be able to launch a small-scale plane for about 25 passengers, which will be targeted at business customers.
By 2040, the startup hopes to have a scaled-down version for multiple passenger classes, including the economy.
With information from UOL