EADS unveils hypersonic aircraft concept

EADS unveiled its Zero Emission Hypersonic Transportation (ZEHRA) concept ahead of the Paris Air Show (Reuters, 19-Jun-2011). The concept is designed to enter service around 2050, with proof-of-concept flights as early as 2020. The 50 to 100-seat design would be powered by biofuels, hydrogen/oxygen and water, cruising at 5000km/h at an altitude of 32km. The aircraft would be capable of trans-Atlantic flights in 150 minutes. EADS has begun a five-year programme for the concept as a replacement for the Concorde. The aircraft is being developed with Japanese partners.