Aircraft Fuel Efficiency – Where Are We Now

OverviewThe last two decades have not yielded much in the way of improved aircraft fuel efficiency. In fact, a recent study performed by the International Council on Clean Transportation stated commercial jet aircraft have not made continuous improvements over the last 20 years, citing the stability of jet fuel costs as one of the factors. However, with the recent increase in fuel prices, the industry has a need to improve aircraft fuel efficiency and is looking for methods to assist. Methods currently in use are lighter weight components and aircraft modifications, including the addition of winglets. Because of this more recent trend, we will investigate what is presently available to help improve aircraft fuel efficiency.Ultem PolyetherimideA recent improvement is the development of lower weight materials for aircraft. For example, SABIC Innovative Plastics created Ultem polyetherimide in the cellular form. This is 10 to 20 times lighter than traditional plastic components making it an ideal core material for aircraft structures such as luggage compartments, galleys and lower wall panels. Based on the Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, the material has a density of 10 to 30 times less than traditional materials. Plus, it is compatible with metals and thermoset laminate materials thereby increasing its uses to operations that could eliminate adhesives.In addition to being ideal for many composite manufacturing processes, such as machining, vacuum bagging and compression molding, the new Ultem foam provides good acoustic, dielectric and thermal properties. Additionally, it has low moisture absorption which could eliminate edge filling in some interior areas and reduce weight, which ultimately increases aircraft fuel efficiency.WingletsMany jet aircraft are now equipped with winglets, a vertical or tilted structure at the end of an aircraft wing. These devices are in place to minimize the spiral vortices that form at the end of a wing, creating drag on the aircraft, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Boeing and Airbus are working on new winglets that change shape mid-flight resulting in a quieter and more fuel-efficient trip. These organizations filed patents in 2009 for their technologies.The Airbus "Morphlet" engineers state that current technology saves between three to five percent of fuel used during normal flight. Airbus engineers believe by allowing the winglets to vary during flight, the higher five percent fuel savings will occur throughout the entire flight. On the other hand, Boeing intends to use SMA panels to move the winglets based on electric current or heat. Whether these new types of winglets will come to fruition remains to be seen. However, existing winglets offer a reasonable increase in aircraft fuel efficiency, making them a viable solution.Other Aircraft ModificationsThere are several drag-reducing aerodynamic enhancements that can be made to your aircraft to increase speed and decrease flight time, including:• Gap seals for flaps• Ailerons• Wheelpants• Gear fairings• Exhausts• Landing light coversThese enhancements can work together to increase knots, decreasing total flight time. The basic math is that each one percent increase in cruise speed will save you one percent in time. Less time in the air means less fuel burned, saving you money over time.Another modification to be considered is engine or propeller improvements to produce more power. This increased power enables you to save fuel by using less throttle to maintain airspeed. These modifications should be made under either a supplemental type certificate (STC) or field approval modification. You can find a list of all STCs through the FAA Website. Simply search for the make and manufacturer of the aircraft, and then find your particular aircraft. More popular models may have over 200 STCs available, so plan on the research taking a bit of time.What's NextIn spite of the modest changes to aircraft over the last 20 years, fuel efficiency can be improved through existing technology and common-sense modifications. Fortunately, engineers are actively researching new ways to improve fuel efficiency and the overall design of aircraft. In our next article, we will investigate some of the new ideas being considered that will improve aircraft fuel efficiency.

Model Airplane Kits - Where to Look For the Vintage Plastic Kits

Model Airplane Kits - Where to Look For the Vintage Plastic Kits

Model airplane kit building as a hobby is enjoyed by those very young to those more advanced in years. Over the last number of years even young girls have picked up the hobby of building plastic model airplane kits. But if the truth be told with what is going on in the world today a young girl or boy with a room full of built model airplane kits that they built in their spare time instead of the mall is a very healthy thing.

So on to the story where to find the vintage plastic kits? You know the some of those really great reproductions of the famous War-birds of the past with the notes to dress them out in their famous colors of the era. Some say match the skills of the builder with the plastic model airplane kit. Rarely will you find a kit that is too complicated for the very young to the very old.

There is nothing like the completion of a difficult plastic model airplane project dressed up in its vintage colors presented on display. This makes a very healthy sense of accomplishment for the builder. Especially if it was difficult to build and you had to enlist the help of one of the model builder forums on the internet for help in completing your project.

So where to find the best vintage model kits? The answer to this question could go on forever. But let's fill you with some ideas and get you started right. Well there are you traditional hobby shops that are always filled with the latest model airplane kits. But here is a place you may not have thought of. Old war-bird museums' are always jam packed with vintage plastic model airplane kits that are from the past not just the new stuff.

Here are a couple of resources that are great for finding a special vintage model treasure most have never thought of. Keeping a watchful eye open can turn up a new vintage model treasure just about every day. One such place is eBay but you must watch often because the model kits are up sometimes for a day and then gone. Another such place to keep a watchful eye on is Craigslist and the same is true here they come and go every day.

Concorde Model - Where To Find The Ultimate Concorde Model

Concorde Model - Where To Find The Ultimate Concorde Model

Concorde is an iconic piece of supersonic engineering that is instantly recognizable the world over. It attracted large crowds of sightseers wherever it took off or landed and was said to be the ultimate in flight travel over any other commercial airliner. It travelled at over twice the speed of sound and reached altitudes of over 11 miles high. If you are looking to own an aircraft model then a Concorde model is definitely one to consider.

Professional Aircraft models are generally larger and more realistic than the cheaper toy airplanes we see around. The kind of Concorde models I am talking about are the solid mahogany types, which are hand carved and hand painted by master craftsmen. These high quality wooden models project grandeur and finesse; they are in a class of their own and are described as museum standard. They look great as display items and will certainly turn a few heads wherever you decide to exhibit them.

Concorde large-scale models are not as expensive as you might expect. They are well within the reach of most of us and are well worth the investment if you are a collector, airplane enthusiast or avid Concorde fan. There is just no comparison between toy models and professionally handcrafted models. If you are looking to buy a model Concorde then I would strongly recommend checking out these hand made models. Until you actually have one in your possession it is very difficult for me to completely explain how it feels.

A Concorde model would be instantly recognizable and could proudly be displayed in any home, office, workplace, or as part of an exhibition. Anyone who loves airplanes or model airplanes will love these individually hand carved mahogany models of Concorde. They are a luxury worth having and one you will be proud of for many years to come. As long as they are looked after they will stand the test of time and bring pleasure to all who see them.

If Concorde interests you and you would like to find out more about the best place to purchase quality handmade models along with further interesting facts and figures about Concorde then ConcordeModel.com may be able to help. There are various build sizes but the one that I prefer is the larger 24.5" length with a 10.25" wingspan. In my experience the ultimate model to have is a large-scale model made by a master craftsman and hand painted to an exceptionally high standard.