The birth of a quieter, greener plane: 35% more fuel-efficient; Cambridge-MIT Institute's 'Silent' Aircraft Initiative

On 6 Nov 2006 11:44:08 -0800, "Robert M. Gary"
wrote in . com:

It still remains to be seen if pax will be willing to sit in a blended
wing aircraft. There will be almost no windows and the seat
configuration will be more like a theater than a traditional airplane.
It will result in considerable disorientation for the pax. Maybe people
will get used to it, but maybe they won't. I don't have high hopes for
it.

If it is truly 35% more fuel efficient (which is a remarkable claim),
fares should be less. That will make it more attractive for coast
conscious coach passengers. And for overseas trips, if it were
equipped with reclining seating, it would be welcome despite a lack of
windows.

But the environmentalists see air travel as being in need of a
reduction in traffic, despite the historic ~5% annual increases.
They're not supporting the project. However, during departure the
SAX-40 is supposed to be about as loud as a washing machine. I've got
to believe those currently affected by airline noise will be rooting
for its use.