Study suggests seaplanes could ease pressure on world’s airports

A British team of researchers has proposed a concept design of an advanced hydrogen-powered seaplane which could help to relieve pressure on major airports around the world
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SEAPLANE CONCEPT: Medium-to-long-range aircraft,inspired by flying boat aeroplanes of 1940s

Five rear-mounted jet engines

Potential accommodation: Up to 2,000 passengers, compared to 850-seat maximum capacity of Airbus A380 – world’s biggest airliner

Research shows feasibility of using seaplanes as alternative to conventional airliners for transatlantic travel, with further design refinements
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KEY FEATURES

V-shaped hull: Gives seaplanebuoyancy and navigability when landing and taking off from water

“Blended wing body”: Lends streamlined appearance and reduces air resistance when in flight, which could make aircraft more fuel-efficient

Colossal size: Allows aircraft touse hydrogen fuel, which produces no harmful emissions, but requires fourtimes more fuel tank volume than jet-grade kerosene
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A380 to scale

Length 68m

Wingspan: 130m

Height: 19m
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Source: Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London

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