Pratt & Whitney has a more efficient jet engine under development that would be 50% quieter and 50% less polluting and use nearly 15% less fuel, in part because the engine would be made of lighter materials than today’s engines. Maintenance costs also would be 40% lower because of a simplified design using about 30% fewer parts. The new engines are unlikely to be ready before 2015.
Easyjet is one of companies making a big push for more fuel efficient jets
Scientific American talks about a superconductor enabled all electric airplane concept However, this idea looks like it needs some more breakthroughs with superconductors and fuel cells or in nanotechnology before it gets off the ground.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.