Aeroplanes

From the Wright brother's first powered flight in 1903 to cheap flights from today's budget airlines, aeroplanes (or airplanes if you're American or Canadian) have come a long way. The two World Wars both propelled aviation technology forwards, changing the way we fight. Aerospace companies like Boeing started building jet airliners after World War II and revolutionised the way we travel. The Lockheed SR71 Blackbird currently holds the official record for the fastest manned flight.

What would happen if you fell out of a commercial aircraft?

Thankfully, it's a rare occurrence.
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Future cars: 9 designs that could revolutionise the vehicle industry

The vehicle industry rapidly improves every year, bringing about incredible new and exciting technology for cars.
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Is 5G really a threat to airlines?

A number of airlines have cancelled flights to the US over safety concerns about the new mobile network.
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In pictures: X-59 QueSST, the supersonic aircraft that doesn't go boom

Could NASA bring back faster-than-sound travel?
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Rolls-Royce claims its all-electric plane is the fastest ever made

The new aircraft, Spirit Of Innovation, clocked a top speed of 623km/h (387.4mph). Could it help us reach 'jet zero'?
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X-59 QueSST: The quiet supersonic aeroplane that could revolutionise air travel

Aircraft that break the sound barrier are banned over many countries – but could quiet supersonic technology bring them back?
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How do horses get to the Olympics?

Team GB's equine athletes have their own special transport for Toyko 2020.
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The new age of the airship: Could blimps be the future of air travel?

Sleek, green and coming to the skies above you.
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How does the ‘Vomit Comet’ work?

Asked by: Hayley Paterson, Bournemouth
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Aerospace start-up unveils first-ever independently developed supersonic jet

The company aims to bring back commercial supersonic flight by 2025.
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Owl’s flight through gusty winds could inspire new aircraft designs

A new understanding of how birds' wings change in turbulent flying conditions has implications for the future of aircraft, say researchers.
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Airbus reveals zero-emission hydrogen plane concepts

The European plane-maker claimed the hydrogen-fuelled aircraft could enter service by 2035.
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The fighter jet that flies itself (almost)

With Top Gun: Maverick due to hit cinemas later this year, we went behind the scenes at RAF Marham to get up close to the new F-35, the first fighter jet that does (most of) the flying for you.
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Why can’t we fly planes into space?

Asked by: Dennis Robertson, Sheffield
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Is it possible to fly around the equator non-stop and stay in daylight?

Theoretically it is possible but even a supersonic jet would be hindered by factors such as speed restrictions and in-flight refuelling.
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Is there any point turning my phone to ‘flight mode’ on a plane?

Desperate to check your phone in the air? Think again, radio emissions are thought to impact equipment used on board.
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Star Trek-inspired aeroplane powered by ‘ionic wind’ takes flight

MIT scientists create the world’s first 'ion drive' aircraft, which fly without propellers, turbines, or any moving parts at all.
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Eight industries revolutionised by VR

Virtual reality headsets might only just be hitting the home, but VR technology is already established in a number of fields.
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Watch: Alaska Airlines inflight entertainment totally eclipses competition

Flight from Anchorage to Honolulu redirected so that passengers could view total solar eclipse.
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What's the difference between a scramjet and a ramjet engine?

These experimental engines both work in different ways to achieve supersonic speeds.
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What happens to old aeroplanes?

When airplanes can no longer take to the skies, they are retired to the boneyard.
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