EU explores cleaner airplanes
A major research program launched three years ago by the European Union has identified open rotors and natural laminar flow as key technologies to be taken

A major research program launched three years ago by the European Union has identified open rotors and natural laminar flow as key technologies to be taken forward in the Clean Sky joint technology initiative and potentially into the mooted replacement for the Airbus A320.

The e30 million ($47 million) new aircraft concepts research (NACRE) program began in April 2005 to pursue the Vision 2020 efficiency, affordability and environmental objectives framed by the advisory council for aeronautical research in Europe (ACARE). Last week in London participants gathered to share some of the key findings so far.