Airplane Design

Terrafugia’s Transition has a Special Light-Sport Aircraft certificate, but the US company needs to finish the car to make it street legal.

In 1999, the Cirrus SR20 was launched as an easy-to-fly airplane. This much more sophisticated, limited-edition model is a nod to its future.

Sharing the common theme of innovation, here are the most noteworthy aircraft from aviation’s pioneering days through today’s advanced business jets.

The AlbatrossONE concept may revolutionize aircraft design, resulting in much longer wings and dramatic reductions in CO2 emissions.

Samad’s new Q-Starling uses stylistic cues from classic fighter planes and contemporary sportscars, while establishing a few of its own.

Hydrogen could cut commercial air traffic emissions by half.

A scaled version of the V-Wing made its first flight, showing that alternative designs could become long-distance aircraft of the future.

While automation is inevitable, it will take time and FAA certification before flying an aircraft involves pushing a button and taking off. But aviation experts say it’s coming.

Unlike commercial airliners focusing on small gains in efficiency, developing business jets is about “speed, safety and security,” says one veteran test pilot. In other words, pushing the design envelope.