Fancy flying to Australia in 5 hours?

British holidaymakers may eventually be able to travel to Australia in just five hours if plans for a new type of plane go ahead.

The futuristic-looking A2 jet has been designed by engineering firm Reaction Engines to be capable of carrying passengers at a speed of up to 4,000 mph - while also being eco-friendly, the Guardian reports.

While the aircraft would be about double the size of the planes in use today, it would be more environmentally-friendly as it turns fuel into water and nitrous oxide, rather than emitting carbon.

The plane has more than an echo of the now defunct Concorde, which could take travellers to destinations around the world at super-fast speeds. Currently, the average flight time between London and Sydney is around 22 hours.

For passengers, the downside of travelling in the A2 - which could be in service within the next 25 years - would be the lack of windows due to the heat produced by the plane when flying at high speeds and the rather steep price, estimated to be in the region of £3,500.

"It sounds incredible by today's standards but I don't see why future generations can't make day trips to Australasia," commented Alan Bond, managing director of Reaction Engines.

He added: "Our work shows that it is possible technically; now it's up to the world to decide if it wants it."

Posted by Paul, 05 February 2008 15:05

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