In a press release on March 17, the Alabama startup SE Aeronautics announced a new patent-pending wide-body aircraft concept for the future: The SE200. SE stands for “super-efficient”, and that is exactly what the company claims to deliver. A super-efficient subsonic jet.
In times when the aviation industry is trying to go “green”, or “greener” to say the least, SE aeronautics’ new aircraft may be one revolutionary breakthrough! Set aside the whole COVID-19 situation, sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.
The new SE200 sounds too good to be true! A safe and strong subsonic jet with superior performance yet uses significantly less fuel and produces significantly less emissions. In comparison to existing aircraft, the SE200 requires much less maintenance and serves twice as long. Exactly what the aviation world needs today: Practical, profitable and permanent aircraft!
The modern and uniquely-designed 100% molded composite wide-body aircraft with light tri-wing design and short take-off and landing capabilities for long flights promises 70% lower fuel consumption and the ability to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 80% as measured by per-seat kilometer.
Lloyd Weaver, the chief engineer of SE aeronautics, explains in a press release how the efficient light tri-wing configuration significantly improves lift over drag (lift/ drag ratio: 38), resulting in short take-off and landing capabilities (STOL) and very long flights.
Weaver also revealed that the company incorporated super thin, long wings and complete streamlining from nose to tail. The construction itself, 100% composite molded in one sturdy piece, takes safety to another level.
Instead of being stored in the super-long wings, fuel will be stored in sealing bladders on top of the fuselage, featuring only one solid molded piece. A design alteration that the company claims will keep the aircraft floating for longer periods in case of an imminent emergency water landing.
The aircraft also features a state-of-the-art bulk container system for shipping maximum load. 9071.9 kg of cargo can be carried aboard the SE200.
According to the press release, the aircraft has a “once-through” air ventilation system to make sure that air never recirculates in the cabin. An aircraft designed in the COVID-19 era takes health safety quite seriously!
Two superefficient engines mounted at the rear provide a massive thrust of 284.7 kN. The SE200 can carry up to 264 passengers at a speed of 0.9 Mach, with a range of 9’176.4 nm equivalent to 17’000 km at 500+ PMPG. The maximum cruising altitude of the aircraft is close to 15.24 km. The numbers are quite impressive compared to all existing aircraft.
Will the revolutionary SE200 roam the skies anytime soon, next to all those Boeings and Airbuses? Or will it remain “a green dream”?
Until next week, peeps!
