I’m a chap (thank you for noticing) and as a semi-regular version of this entity I like cars, motorbikes, cool planes etc etc…most things with engines. However, some could say I take it slightly too far. I do like engineering and I do know how an engine works. I appreciate the mechanical aspects of all of the above and always want to know how these things work.
It’s a whole new level of appreciation and, if I may be so bold, the only real way to fully appreciate the machines themselves – aside from getting your hands on them, that is. I don’t somehow think I’d be allowed to get my hands on and fly an SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ – which, I think, is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring machines to ever be created – with the highly convincing reassurance that I once flew a Boeing 747 upside down over the English Channel en-route to Charles de Gaulle on Flight Simulator. That said, if anyone reading this has the contacts to make this happen, please email me at graham@letmerephrasethat.com, I didn’t crash the 747 either, it was a perfect landing, the French were impressed I’m sure!
It was in the 1920s-1940s when a Brit named Frank Whittle first brought us an aircraft which flew by propulsion from a turbojet engine. The Gloster E.28/39 or “Gloster Whittle” had her maiden flight on 15th May 1941 and the test results would go on to influence the development of an operational fighter jet known as the Gloster Meteor. This was the start of jet engine powered flight as we know it today.
The fabulous Concorde then took this technology to another level as the most successful supersonic passenger aircraft – it’s a shame she’s now been decommissioned.
“So what?” I may hear you ask. Well, whilst I love the workings of jet engines and the concept of all this, Concorde is especially dear to me as my grandfather (whom I never met) was one of the metallurgists who worked with the top secret materials for the first Concorde; a huge task and ultimately the most important I think. As I never met him I wanted to know more, this did spark more of my interest for jet engines and the like. It also helped that a lot of the development and testing was performed less than 5 miles from my front door.
You see, I love being British (ignoring the government), it’s one of the many things which make Kate Beckinsale even more appealing to me, and I also love the fact it was a Brit who brought us the jet engine and also the British who brought us Concorde (yes, I know it was a product of an Anglo-French government treaty but stick with me here).
It is with great pleasure then, that I was to read about the A2 aircraft being developed by a British company called Reaction Engines Ltd. The LAPCAT (Long-Term Advanced Propulsion Concepts and Technologies) A2 is set to carry 300 passengers at a top speed of almost 4,000mph. Concorde was supersonic. A2 is hypersonic. Reaction Engines have said the aircraft, which is still at the concept stage, could be operating within 25 years. Europe to Australia in less than five hours is what scientists and experts are calling “[insert appropriate expletive here] rapid!”
To read more about this fantastic looking and sounding aircraft, click here.
Right now, we are at the pinnacle of technology. Concorde shouldn’t have been taken out of the skies; it’s the first time mankind has taken a technological leap backwards. I’m hoping therefore, that the A2 will be a much needed leap forward after Concorde’s demise.
Filed under: General, Tech/Science | Tagged: Australia, blackbird, British, Concorde, flight, Frank Whittle, Gloster, hypersonic, jet engine, Kate Beckinsale, new technology, Reaction Engines, SR-71, supersonic
Nice looking craft. It make me feel happier than having my testicles tickled with a feather.
(Now, that should start you’re climb up the Google rankings while also confusing your readers!)
Haha, thank you Richard! I will be highly amused if I find “testicles tickled with a feather” in my search results this week.
I wouldn’t want to tread on your feet when it comes to site traffic though!