A new hypersonic aircraft concept has come to light that would make the world a much smaller place if it were to become reality. The Antipode would be able to travel between continents in a matter of minutes at speeds up to Mach 24, said its creator, Canadian engineer and inventor Charles Bombardier (who is also the grandson of the founder of Bombardier Inc., a name that is synonymous with aviation). Antipode is one of several conceptual vehicles created by Bombardier through his non-profit organization Imaginactive.
New Hypersonic Aircraft Concept Surfaces
Key Takeaways:
- The Antipode is a conceptual hypersonic aircraft designed by Charles Bombardier, aiming for Mach 24 speeds to enable intercontinental travel in minutes.
- It features an innovative propulsion system using reusable rocket boosters for takeoff and a supersonic combustion ramjet for cruise, while incorporating "long penetration mode" to mitigate sonic booms and related issues.
- Although commercial viability is low due to projected high costs, it's envisioned for specialized use, such as transporting government officials in crisis situations, with its underlying technologies potentially contributing to future aerospace advancements.
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