Hypersonic jet powered by seaweed?

EADS’s proposed Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation (ZEHST), if realized and works as theorized, might actually usher in a whole new age of air travel. We are looking at just one hour to travel from New York to London, which is less than half the amount of time required by the Concorde, what was then the world’s fastest commercial plane. It will be capable of soaring above the atmosphere at 3,125 mph on biofuel that is made from, guess what? Seaweed.

The ZEHST is touted to be one of the most eco-friendly aircraft in the world when it is released, thanks to the use of seaweed biofuel, and will surely be a winner over the Concorde that is plagued by extremely noisy takeoffs and landings, high priced tickets, high fuel consumption and extremely expensive maintenance. 

Rocket engines will equip the ZEHST for its traveling needs, helping shoot the aircraft above the atmosphere, but the only downside? It might take up to 40 years at least before this concept can be realized. Will there be seaweed in our oceans by then? One thing’s for sure – a one hour flight would mean the death of in-flight entertainment.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Concepts, Green, Transportation
Tags: Concept