From 'Skytanic' to bizarre 'blended wing' jet - five astonishing planes of the future we could see by 2030

TECHNOLOGY is rapidly changing on the ground, in space and the sky in between.

Here’s a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of air travel.

Illustration of the Radia WindRunner, a large cargo plane designed to transport wind turbine blades. — Soon to be the world’s biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747Credit: RADIA

Illustration of the WindRunner, a large cargo plane designed to transport wind turbine blades. — Dubbed “Skytanic”, the airliner will take to the skies by 2030Credit: RADIA

Futuristic airplane flying over coastal landscape. — The world’s first “blended-wing body” plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jetsCredit: JetZero

Illustration of a futuristic airplane at a gate. — The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified – but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030Credit: JetZero

‘Skytanic’

Soon to be the world’s biggest plane, WindRunner, will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747.

Dubbed “Skytanic”, the airliner will take to the skies by 2030, almost a decade after the idea was put forward by aerospace firm Radia.

It will be tasked with transporting enormous cargo.

WindRunner will clock in at an incredible 356ft – longer than the pitch at Wembley – and will be 79ft tall.

‘Blended wing’ jet

The world’s first “blended-wing body” plane, dubbed the Z4, could someday replace older Boeing jets.

The unique design was just backed by United Airlines, which has plans to purchase up to 200 of the swanky new planes.

The 250-passenger Z4 plane, built by JetZero, has not yet been certified – but the company is hoping to launch it by 2030.

Managing director of United Airlines Venture told Business Insider that the Z4’s oversized wing could create a “living room in the sky”.

Illustration of a black hypersonic aircraft in a hangar. — In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype modelCredit: YUNXING

Yunxing superplane

A futuristic ‘superplane’ that could ferry passengers from London to New York City in just 90 minutes is hoped to be in the sky by 2027.

The Chinese company, Space Transportation, behind the project is reportedly inching closer towards the production of the aircraft, called Yunxing.

In October last year, the Beijing-based firm said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model.

The jet could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) – twice as fast as the British Concorde.

World’s first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records

Private jet flying over a coastal mountain range. — This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certificationsCredit: Gulfstream

Globe trotter

The Gulfstream G800 boasts a record-breaking range, allowing it to fly an incredible 9,000 miles without stopping.

This globetrotting jumbo jet is set to launch across US and Europe, having secured FAA and EASA certifications.

It’s hoped it will be zooming across skies in 2030.

Now the longest-range private aircraft in the world, the Gulfstream G800 can ferry passengers to almost anywhere in the world without taking a single stop.

If the jet were to take off from London it could fly to any airport across the globe – with the exception of Sydney.

It has three luxurious living areas for up to 19 passengers, as well as a dedicated crew compartment for maximum in-flight comfort.

Conceptual rendering of a United Airlines Overture supersonic airliner flying above clouds. — Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speedsCredit: The Mega Agency

Boom Overture

The supersonic Overture jet is on track for a 2029 launch, according to the company behind the project.

US-based Boom Technology has forecast a market for up to 1,000 supersonic airliners, across 500 viable routes, with fares comparable to business class.

Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds.

The flight currently takes roughly 8 hours on a standard commercial carrier.

Laying the groundwork for Overture, Boom’s XB-1 jet successfully reached supersonic speeds earlier this year.

Bosses at the Colorado-headquartered firm believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market

Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets

There are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what’s been happening in the industry and what’s expected in the coming years.

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