‘Flying-V’ Airliner Prototype

Context: Recently,a team of researchers and engineers along with a drone pilot from the Dutch-based Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) have successfully conducted the first real test flight of the scaled model of the ‘Flying V’ aircraft.

Key Points

• Flying V is a futuristic and fuel-efficient long-distance aircraft that could one day carry passengers in its wings.
• The Flying-V design, which derives its name from its noticeable ‘V’ shape, integrates the passenger cabin, the cargo hold and the fuel tanks in the wings.
• Computer calculations have predicted that the aircraft’s improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to today’s advanced aircrafts.
• The Flying-V carries about the same number of passengers - 314 in the standard configuration – and the same amount of cargo, 160 m3.
• The original plan for the Flying-V aircraft design came from TU Berlin student Justus Benad.
• The ‘Flying V’ project was first presented at the 100th anniversary of the Dutch airlines KLM, which has also been a partner in the project since its beginning in 2019. Various business partners including Airbus (an aerospace company), are now involved in the project.