When the next-generation aircraft rises over the horizon, one group of people will be able to say they saw it first. That's the U.S. Defense Advance Research Projects Group, or DARPA. A month after the launch of Sputnik, Congress created the Advanced Research Projects Agency to make sure that the United States would never again be surprised by an adversary's technology -- and to prepare surprises of its own for use by the American military.
Today, DARPA has projects going in space science, biomedicine, microelectronics, nanotechnology and just about any other field you can name, including aviation.
Some of the agency's previous successful aviation partnerships include the Saturn rocket that carried men to the moon, the Lockheed F117 "stealth" fighter, and the Northrop Grumman B-2 bomber and the UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle. None of these pivotal technologies might exist if not for DARPA. As I originally wrote for the May 2008 issue of Professional Pilot magazine, the agency has a number of new aircraft in the works.
The Oblique Flying Wing aircraft, for instance, is an odd-looking number. One wing is swept forward, the other back, and the sweep angle changes with speed to optimize aerodynamic performance. In terms of civilian use, an OFW business jet would have a high purchase price but might offer enough operating efficiency to justify the initial cost.
The Vulture, an autonomous aircraft capable of staying in the air for up to five years at a time, could work cheaper than certain satellites while performing the same function. Innovated for civilian use, the craft could be used as a sort of flying hotel.
But it's the agency's nano air vehicle program that really pushes the limits. The program aims to produce an aircraft less than 3 inches long and weighing about one-third of an ounce. That's under 10 grams. The vehicle wouldn't have room for passengers, of course, but it's still an aircraft and will require fundamental breakthroughs in aerodynamic design, propulsion and power systems, avionics and manufacturing techniques to get off the ground.
Even these technologies will one day be obsolete, and DARPA is planning for the next technological wave thereafter. Early in 2008, the agency issued a request for proposals on experiments related to quantum entanglement. This may be the most ambitious research effort DARPA has ever taken on. The project, called quantum entanglement science and technology (QuEST), could produce such marvels as the Star Trek's transporter. In the meantime, a seat in first class will be good enough for me.
About this Week's Guest Blogger:
Marvin Cetron is a member of the board of the World Future Society.
Learn more at www.wfs.org.
PHOTO: AP Photo/Department of Defense |
i was watching nextworld, with the aircraft that had a variable aspect ration for different modes of flight. i was wanting to know if anyone could give me a way to contact them. the company's name is "nextgen aircraft", ive googled them already, but couldn't find them anywhere. any help would be greatly appreciated. my email address is sparhu@yahoo.com thanks
Posted by: spencer hunt | September 19, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Is there any way to get a copy of this episode? I would like to find more information on these advancements and I would like to contact the companies that were featured in the show.
Thanks
Posted by: Justin | September 21, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Who directed this episode? Need contact info please. Feel free to email Nick at michaelsmethod@yahoo.com
Posted by: Nick Profit | September 21, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Future Flight ... Great episode. Only criticism is that the piece on Armadillo Aerospace and the Rocket Racer was about fifty minutes too short.
Neil Milburn - VP Armadillo Aerospace :-)
Seriously, pleasure working with Aaron and his team. The Rocket Racer / entertainment market is helping to fund the future of inexpensive public access to space. Lots of good things happening for AA with our AFL & NASA projects, the Rocket Racer, the Lunar Lander Challenge and ultimately our sub-orbital space tourism project.
Neil M
Posted by: Neil Milburn | September 21, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Amazing! I agree about the great direction and production, cool shots and enough time to learn in each feature. I normally don't watch programs about men and their toys but this episode really drew me in and I sat fascinated throughout the whole show.
Posted by: Johanna R | September 21, 2008 at 08:20 PM
I think this a great TV shov about the latetst developments in aviation. Very inspiring, and interesting.
I just want to thank you for all this.
Aaron and his team did a great job.
Attila Melkuti
Posted by: Attila Melkuti | September 22, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Great episode, taking what could have been numbingly-complex subject matter and making it down-to-earth and enjoyable. Terrific!
Posted by: Rob C | September 22, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Great show! Amazing to think we can race Rockets today! One can only imagine what the future will bring! And that Jelly Fish Thing...Totally cool!!!!
Posted by: Sally Harrinton | September 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM
What an awesome show! I watch everything 'airplane' and this one ranks in the top!
How can I get that ride on space ship one?!?!?
Posted by: Ronan Nagle | September 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Excellent Show!!! It is so exciting to learn about the latest and greatest advances in Flight. It makes me feel like a little kid playing with paper airplanes... My hats off the the whole crew for creating a well crafted education piece!!!
Posted by: Joshua Teicher | September 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
The rocket NASCAR was cool but that tentacle thing really blew my mind. That was the real peak at future flight how smart people really are. Just getting off the ground has taken from the dawn of man to about 100 years ago and now we're really making science fiction a reality. I can only hope that within my own lifetime we can look back at jumbo jets and basically all gas powered vehicles as relics of the past. The same way we look at the tall ships, covered wagons and all other vessels of old that took us to our now conquered frontiers.
Posted by: Dave Shah | September 22, 2008 at 02:15 PM
I was truly in awe and captivated by the show. Everything was on point. In an age of short attention spans (me suffering from this myself) I was absolutely mesmerized by this show. It was informational with stunning visuals, subtle humour, and didn't sit too long on one thing for it to get boring. That is a craft in itself.
Posted by: AGoegan | September 22, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Great show, I hope more people the crew is hired again to make exciting educational documentaries. Way to go everyone, Discovery and its directors rock!
Posted by: nick | September 22, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Truly the most practical and ingenious innovation of the whole program was the segment about the vertical take off with the aircraft by Attila. This is truly what we are looking for in future development that we can actually USE in everyday life! Forget high-speed jet games and lets get down to reality and the conveniences of future needs. Excellent creation of a practical and useful concept! Hats off to the inventors of our future!
Posted by: Crystal K. Eis | September 24, 2008 at 12:11 AM
It's crazy to think that the first successful flight was in the early 1900s and now there are planes with self-healing wings and people racing rockets! The director did a great job introducing practical & quirky flight innovations that will be a part of our everyday life in the not-so distant future. Who needs cars now that we have planes like this?!
The fact that Bronson took the time to talk to the crew of Future Flight on his own plane speaks volumes to their hard work and dedication.
Great job!!! Who can I contact for more info & to get a copy?
Posted by: Kcerialo | September 25, 2008 at 06:00 PM
It's crazy to think that the first successful flight was in the early 1900s and now there are planes with self-healing wings and people racing rockets! The director did a great job introducing practical & quirky flight innovations that will be a part of our everyday life in the not-so distant future. Who needs cars now that we have planes like this?!
The fact that Bronson took the time to talk to the crew of Future Flight on his own plane speaks volumes to their hard work and dedication.
Great job!!! Who can I contact for more info & to get a copy?
Posted by: Kcerialo | September 25, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Pretty amazing stuff.
Posted by: general pershing trivia | July 18, 2009 at 08:32 PM
This is a really great show! It is very informing.
Posted by: Cellulite Creams | October 08, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I wonder if the technology in these new planes can be used in modern airliners? It seems a waste not to try and adapt some of these ideas into a wider sphere.
Posted by: travel insurance for seniors | October 19, 2009 at 06:04 AM
Do any other countries use stealth fighters apart from the USA?
Posted by: Holiday Insurance | October 29, 2009 at 07:12 AM
I love this show!!!! My favorite plane was the AMV211 aircraft. Attila Melkuti is very smart and he knows what he is doing. People these days just don't believe like Attila! I know his family is very proud!! I hope the best for you Attila and your family!!!
Posted by: Amy | November 05, 2009 at 03:17 PM
i saw a show about this on the discovery channel. i recommend looking for the video online... it's worth watching!
Posted by: ab rocket | November 21, 2009 at 07:59 AM