This colossal aircraft, aptly named for its potential to soar through the skies like a veritable giant among planes, stands poised to revolutionise not only the transportation sector but also the renewable energy industry. Aerospace engineer Mark Lundstrom believes he has the key to revolutionising renewable energy: constructing the largest aeroplane in the world. With over seven years of collaboration with an engineering team, Lundstrom, an MIT-trained rocket scientist and Rhodes scholar, has spearheaded the design of the WindRunner—a colossal cargo plane aimed at transforming the renewable energy landscape.
Crafted by the skilled hands and creative minds at Radia, a Colorado-based energy company known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Windrunner is more than just an aircraft — it's a game-changer. With dimensions that defy imagination, this behemoth of the skies stretches an impressive 356 feet in length and towers to a height of 79 feet, boasting a wingspan that spans an awe-inspiring 261 feet. To put this into perspective, it's nearly as long as a regulation NFL football field and surpasses the world's longest passenger plane, the Boeing 747-8, by a staggering 106 feet.
Radia is placing its bets on the future demand for larger and more potent wind turbines. According to the latest research, the investment in onshore wind technology is projected to soar to $10 trillion by 2050. The upcoming GigaWind turbines, renowned for their immense power, boast significantly larger blades and are expected to yield profits two to three times greater than their present-day counterparts.
Bu hikaye Cruising Heights dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Cruising Heights dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
