Post by Phantom Stargrave on Jul 26, 2011 7:35:26 GMT -5
Boeing has just unveiled the concept for it's new Pulse Ejector Thrust Augmentor engine (PETA for short, but we'll let that slide), a vastly improved version of the pulse jet engine, which should allow the construction of unprecedentedly efficient vertical take off and landing (VTOL) vehicles. If this technology pans out (and odds are good, given that Pentagon is apparently contemplating its use), airplanes like the F-35 and the Harrier jump jet could be a thing of the past (Well, even more so in the Harrier's case), their unwieldy and complicated VTOL lift fans replaced by simpler, cheaper and more efficient pulse jets.
This engine is still in the experimental stage, and not even a prototype has been built yet. The only possibilities so far considered are those of efficient transport planes, capable of delivering troops and cargo anywhere with great speed. But come on, am I the only one thinking where this could lead us? That's right:
And if the video is anything to go, they might sound like Star Wars too.
This engine is still in the experimental stage, and not even a prototype has been built yet. The only possibilities so far considered are those of efficient transport planes, capable of delivering troops and cargo anywhere with great speed. But come on, am I the only one thinking where this could lead us? That's right:
And if the video is anything to go, they might sound like Star Wars too.
