-
Quest for Performance: The Evolution
of Modern Aircraft
-
-
- Part II: THE JET AGE
-
-
- Chapter 13: Jet Transports
-
-
- Conclusion
-
-
-
- [462] The introduction
of the first jet transport over a quarter of a century ago marked
the beginning of a transportation revolution. The modern jet
transport has altered forever the travel concepts and habits of
people all over the world.
-
- An account of the technical development of
the jet transport has been presented from the pioneering
DeHavilland Comet of the early 1950's to the highly efficient,
safe, reliable, and economical transport aircraft of today. Many
of the transport aircraft currently in production will continue to
be produced for many years. Improvements, modifications, and
adaptations to new routes and markets will be made to current
aircraft as time and circumstances change and as new technologies
evolve.
-
- Several entirely new aircraft will
probably be developed in the next two decades. These new aircraft
will no doubt utilize emerging new technologies in aerodynamics,
structures, guidance and control, and propulsion. Improved
aerodynamic design, composite structures, active controls, and
engines of improved efficiency and reduced noise are only a few of
the new technical developments that suggest themselves. The
increased cost of fuel will place a great emphasis on
energy-efficient aircraft. Accordingly, aerodynamic and
propulsion-system efficiency and light structural weight will be
of greater importance than ever before.
-
-
