This is What the Future Airliners Will Probably Look Like

#5 – Boeing Pelican

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© youtube

Boeing developed a concept of a huge transoceanic airplane that flies using an aerodynamic phenomenon called the ground effect, in which low-flying objects with uniquely-shaped wings can trap air underneath and glide perfectly across water using a cushion.

The aircraft would employ the ground effect over the ocean at 20 feet (6 m) above water. Although the Pelican was originally designed to carry cargo, the concept can also apply to commercial airliners.

Actually, it’s a promising design that could be the world’s largest airplane, with a wingspan of 500 feet (150 km). Strangely, Boeing has left the concept behind in the early 2000s without any known explanations.

But don’t lose hope just yet, the ground-effect concept will likely reemerge in civilian air travel since it carries larger loads than ships not only with a minimal fuel cost but also at higher speeds.

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