New aircraft research programme to wrap up in 2009

The European NACRE (New aircraft concept research) programme will complete its research work in 2009, having focussed on three areas: green aircraft designed to minimise environmental impacts; passenger-focused aircraft providing game-changing cabin comfort; and economical aircraft that afford a maximum return on investment. The Airbus-led consortium has evaluated many concepts during the NACRE project, including flying wing designs and new propulsion systems.