These aircraft were built with investments totaling millions of dollars
Humanity has long been fascinated by the idea of flight. Ever since the invention of the airplane, traveling across continents in just a few hours has become a reality for many. Yet, the journey of innovation in aviation is far from over. Engineers and visionaries are continuously developing new technologies to make air travel faster, more efficient, and safer.
Much like in the early days of aviation, designing the ideal aircraft—in terms of size, speed, and aerodynamics—remains a complex challenge. But when the formula is right, these projects can mark a major leap forward in aviation history.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most exciting aircraft concepts currently in development. From ultra-fast suborbital jets capable of reaching speeds beyond 24,000 km/h to massive all-electric aircraft that double as flying hotels, each design represents a bold step into the future of flight.
Zunum’s Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Manufacturer: Zunum Aero
Key Feature: Hybrid propulsion
Estimated Production Cost: Over €4 million*
Every day, countless commuters travel across the United States—but connecting smaller towns remains a persistent challenge for airlines. Founded in 2013, Zunum Aero set out to solve this problem. With support from Boeing and JetBlue Technology Ventures, the company began developing a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to improve regional air travel.
Their innovative aircraft was expected to cover distances of up to 1,100 km while significantly reducing environmental impact. Unfortunately, despite the promise of this eco-friendly solution, Zunum Aero went into liquidation in 2019, and the project was ultimately shelved.
The AW609
Manufacturer: Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly AgustaWestland)
Key Feature: Tilt-rotor technology
Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
The AW609 was developed to merge the high-speed performance of a turboprop with the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter. Designed for civilian use, this tilt-rotor aircraft from Leonardo S.p.A. aims to revolutionize short and mid-range travel.
Initial prototype testing began in 2002, but full certification is still pending. Demonstration flights with select customers started in 2014, during which the aircraft achieved speeds of up to 540 km/h and altitudes nearing 9,000 meters. While its journey to market has been long, the AW609 represents a significant innovation in hybrid aircraft design.
Boeing’s Blended Wing Body Airlifter
Manufacturer: Boeing Key Feature: Blended wing design Estimated Production Cost: Undisclosed
Aircraft designers have long looked to nature for inspiration—often modeling planes after birds in flight. However, with the Blended Wing Body (BWB) Airlifter, Boeing's engineers turned to marine birds for a fresh perspective.
Still in the conceptual stage, this futuristic aircraft looks like something out of a science fiction film. Its unique blended wing design creates a seamless transition between the wings and fuselage, offering improved aerodynamics and increased lift. While it remains a concept, the BWB represents a bold reimagining of how aircraft could be designed in the future.
787-9 Dreamliner
Manufacturer: Boeing Key Feature: Extended non-stop flight range Estimated Production Cost: €145 million (as of 2018)*
Boeing’s 787 series, known as the "Dreamliner," represents a major leap forward in long-distance air travel. The 787-9, one of the latest models in the lineup, boasts a remarkable range of up to 14,000 kilometers and cruises at speeds near 900 km/h.
Designed with passenger comfort and efficiency in mind, this wide-body aircraft can accommodate approximately 280 travelers. It's capable of operating ultra-long-haul routes—such as the impressive 17-hour non-stop flight from Perth, Australia, to London, England—highlighting Boeing’s commitment to enhancing the global flying experience with cutting-edge technology and performance.
Concorde
Manufacturer: British Aircraft Corporation & Sud Aviation Key Feature: Supersonic passenger travel Estimated Production Cost: €25 million (1971)*
The iconic Concorde first took to the skies in 1969 for testing and officially entered commercial service in 1976. As the world’s first supersonic passenger aircraft, it marked a milestone in aviation history. Capable of flying at an astonishing 2,166 km/h, the Concorde could carry between 92 and 128 passengers well above the clouds.
However, this incredible speed came with a hefty price tag. A round-trip ticket between New York and London in 1997 cost around €8,000—equivalent to approximately €13,000 in 2021. Despite its technological brilliance, Concorde service came to an end in 2003, closing the chapter on a legendary era of high-speed commercial flight.
The SpaceLiner
Manufacturer: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) Key Feature: Suborbital passenger travel Estimated Production Cost: €33 billion*
In January 2021, while space tourism made headlines through ventures like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s Unity 22, a different concept emerged from Germany. The Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) unveiled the SpaceLiner—a bold project aimed at revolutionizing high-speed passenger transport through suborbital flight.
The SpaceLiner is powered by eleven reusable liquid rocket engines, allowing it to reach astonishing speeds of up to 24,000 km/h. With this velocity, intercontinental travel times could be slashed dramatically—a journey from Los Angeles to London would take just one hour. Though still in the development phase, the SpaceLiner represents a groundbreaking vision for the future of ultra-fast global travel.
Aerion AS2
Manufacturer: Aerion Key Feature: Supersonic private jet Estimated Production Cost: €120 million*
For those who travel by private jet, the Aerion AS2 offers an exciting new option. Nicknamed the "son of the Concorde," this supersonic aircraft entered production in 2023 and is set to begin operations by 2026.
Powered by GE engines, the AS2 can cruise at Mach 1.4 over a range of 6,720 kilometers, enabling it to complete a flight from New York to London in just four and a half hours. Designed to carry 8 to 10 passengers, the aircraft also boasts a significantly lower environmental impact, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 85%. The Aerion AS2 represents a new era of high-speed, eco-conscious luxury travel.
Boom Supersonic
Manufacturer: Boom Key Feature: Speeds up to Mach 2.2 Estimated Production Cost: €200 million
Since the iconic Concorde’s final flight in 2003, the world has gone without a commercial supersonic passenger jet. Boom, a forward-thinking aerospace start-up, aims to change that with its upcoming aircraft, the Overture, expected to enter service by 2026.
Designed to reach speeds of Mach 2.2, the Overture will be powered by engines developed in partnership with Rolls-Royce. It will carry up to 55 passengers, offering a high-speed experience that could reduce today’s long-haul flight times by half. If successful, Boom Supersonic could usher in a new era of faster, more efficient global travel.
A220-500
Manufacturer: Airbus Key Feature: Increased cabin space and capacity Estimated Production Cost: Under €91.5 million*
Airbus has introduced several noteworthy upgrades in recent years, including the A220-500—a larger and more comfortable evolution of its predecessor. Designed to seat five passengers per row with generous space, this new model offers improved comfort for travelers.
Compared to the earlier 130-seat version, the A220-500 can accommodate around 150 passengers. It also includes a larger overhead luggage compartment and two windows per row, a welcome feature for those who enjoy gazing out during their flight. With its thoughtful design and improved capacity, the A220-500 brings both efficiency and comfort to short- and medium-haul routes.
Le Vahana
Manufacturer: Airbus Key Feature: Autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
Le Vahana is Airbus’s innovative take on future urban mobility. Designed for vertical takeoff and landing, this aircraft could enable commuters to travel directly from rooftop to rooftop—dramatically transforming city transport.
Equipped with eight electric motors and cutting-edge autonomous technology, Vahana can operate without a pilot. Its intelligent sensors allow it to navigate smoothly through the sky, offering a futuristic solution to congested urban travel. With a projected range of 45 kilometers and a cruising speed of nearly 190 km/h, this sleek and efficient aircraft could soon become a common sight above major cities
CityAirbus
Manufacturer: Airbus Key Feature: Self-flying electric VTOL for urban transport Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
Airbus has made significant strides in urban air mobility, investing heavily in research and development to create compact aircraft aimed at relieving road congestion. One of the standout concepts is the CityAirbus, designed to provide a cleaner, faster alternative to ground transport.
Like the Vahana, CityAirbus is an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft powered by eight electric motors. However, it’s built to carry four passengers instead of just one. Capable of reaching speeds up to 120 km/h, this autonomous aircraft could soon be soaring above city streets, offering a quiet and efficient solution for short-distance travel.
Alice Commuter by Eviation
Manufacturer: Eviation Key Feature: Fully electric commuter aircraft Estimated Production Cost: €4 million*
Developed by Israeli start-up Eviation, the Alice Commuter is the world’s first all-electric passenger aircraft designed specifically for short-haul travel. Unlike hybrid models, Alice is fully electric, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative for regional flights.
Capable of comfortably seating nine passengers, Alice is ideal for connecting smaller airports—bypassing the congestion and high costs associated with major hubs. It cruises at over 400 km/h and has a range of approximately 800 km. With its sleek design and zero-emission propulsion, Alice represents a major step forward in the future of eco-friendly aviation.
NASA X-57 Maxwell
Manufacturer: NASA Key Feature: Fully electric with multiple motors Estimated Production Cost: €800 million (project total)*
As part of its ambitious "New Aviation Horizons" initiative, NASA developed the X-57 Maxwell, a fully electric aircraft designed to push the boundaries of eco-friendly aviation. The project aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of flight through innovative electric propulsion systems.
The X-57 is equipped with 14 electric motors—primarily used during takeoff and landing—to maximize efficiency and performance. Additional outboard motors allow it to reach cruising speeds of up to 280 km/h. Compared to conventional aircraft, the X-57 is expected to consume about 30% less energy, making it a promising step toward sustainable air travel.
Pipistrel Alpha Electro
Manufacturer: Pipistrel Key Feature: Electric propulsion Estimated Production Cost: €93,600*
The Alpha Electro is a two-seat electric aircraft from Slovenian (not Polish) manufacturer Pipistrel, renowned for being a pioneer in electric aviation. As the first company to commercially offer an electric-powered plane, Pipistrel has set a new standard for environmentally friendly flight.
The aircraft features a water-cooled electric motor, reducing operational energy costs to just 10% of what traditional gasoline-powered planes require. Powered by 150 kg of lithium-polymer batteries, the Alpha Electro can stay airborne for up to 60 minutes. Thanks to its swappable battery system, a full battery change can be done in just five minutes—making it a practical and sustainable solution for short flights and pilot training.
Wright Electric
Manufacturer: Wright Electric Key Feature: Fully electric propulsion Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
Founded in 2006 in the United States, Wright Electric aims to transform the future of air travel by developing all-electric commercial aircraft. Partnering with EasyJet, the company is creating a plane designed to carry up to 186 passengers over short to medium distances.
The Wright 1 model was unveiled in 2021, featuring a powerful 2,700-horsepower electric motor introduced later that year. This upgrade extended the aircraft’s range from 480 km to 1,440 km. Wright Electric plans to conduct its first test flights in 2023, marking an important milestone toward sustainable commercial aviation.
Boeing 777X
Manufacturer: Boeing Key Feature: Folding wingtips Estimated Production Cost: €442.2 million*
The newest addition to Boeing’s Dreamliner lineup is the 777X, a larger and more luxurious aircraft compared to earlier models. This wide-body jet features two aisles and a spacious fuselage, offering passengers more comfort and increased baggage capacity.
A standout innovation of the 777X is its folding wingtips, which can bend upward to a 90° angle—allowing the aircraft to fit into existing airport gates more easily. The 777X was slated to begin commercial service in 2022, promising a new level of efficiency and luxury in long-haul air travel.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighter
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Key Feature: Helmet-mounted display system Estimated Production Cost: $80 million USD*
The F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed for both ground attack and air superiority missions, the program has been the most expensive weapons project in history, with total costs reaching approximately $1.7 trillion USD.
Despite delays caused by the high expense, the F-35’s advanced Pratt & Whitney F135 engine provides exceptional speed and maneuverability, making it a highly capable and flexible asset on the battlefield. In the end, the investment has produced a powerful and versatile combat aircraft.
The Bullet
Manufacturer: Otto Aviation Key Feature: Aerodynamic design for efficiency Estimated Production Cost: €5 million*
The Celera 500L, nicknamed the “Bullet,” stands out with its sleek, rounded shape that enhances aerodynamics and lowers fuel consumption. This innovative aircraft is powered by a unique engine and is designed to carry six passengers comfortably.
Operating costs are impressively low—flying the Bullet for one hour costs nearly 6.5 times less than comparable business jets. While it has already reached speeds of around 400 km/h, this falls short of its target top speed of 740 km/h. The Celera 500L is still in development, and it may take several more years before it becomes commercially available.
Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW)
Manufacturer: Boeing Key Feature: Truss-braced wing design Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
For nearly a decade, NASA and Boeing have collaborated on the SUGAR (Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research) program, which led to the development of the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept. This innovative design features foldable wings stretching 51.5 meters, allowing the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.80.
Originally planned to cruise at Mach 0.75, the enhanced design makes the TTBW the fastest and highest-flying aircraft within its category, promising improved efficiency and performance in subsonic flight.
ZerO
Manufacturer: HerO
Key Feature: Zero emissions
Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
Designing an aircraft is a complex challenge, but Joe Doucet, a graduate of the Arts Center College of Design, took it on with the ZerO concept for HerO. This innovative plane is powered entirely by batteries instead of traditional fuel, earning it the nickname “the Tesla of the skies.”
The batteries are positioned at the rear of the aircraft, which results in about a 20% reduction in speed. However, this slight slowdown is a small trade-off for the benefits of extended flight time with minimal environmental impact—offering a cleaner, quieter future for aviation.
Flying-V
Manufacturer: KLM & TU Delft
Key Feature: Innovative V-shaped design
Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
After extensive research and development, the Flying-V took flight for the first time in 2020. Designed by Justus Benad, a graduate of TU Delft, this aircraft stands out due to its distinctive V-shaped structure.
Unlike conventional planes, the wings of the Flying-V house the cargo hold, fuel tanks, and passenger cabin. This unique configuration enhances aerodynamics and boosts fuel efficiency by approximately 20%, representing a significant advancement in sustainable aircraft design.
EADS VoltAir
Manufacturer: VoltAir Key Feature: Fully electric propulsion Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
Modern aircraft development carries high expectations, with many designs aiming for impressive speed, range, and passenger capacity. Though still in its concept stage, the EADS VoltAir shows considerable potential.
This eco-friendly plane is projected to carry between 50 and 60 passengers. Its power comes from a rechargeable, swappable lithium-air battery pack located at the rear. Completion of the VoltAir is anticipated around 2035, marking a significant step toward sustainable commercial aviation.
Aquatic Jet
Manufacturer: Unknown Key Feature: Water takeoff and landing capability Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
For many, the challenge of improving access to coastal cities inspires innovative aircraft designs. In Norway, this motivation led Tomas Brødreskift to develop the concept of the Aquatic Jet.
Also known as the SeaSTOL VLJ (Sea Short Take-Off and Landing Very Light Jet), this aircraft is capable of reaching altitudes comparable to other light jets. The cabin is designed to seat 5 to 8 passengers comfortably. Equipped with wheels, the Aquatic Jet can also perform smooth landings on conventional runways, making it versatile for both water and land operations.
The Progress Eagle
Manufacturer: AWWA Key Feature: Self-sustaining power system Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
Designed by Oscar Viñals, the Progress Eagle aims to enter commercial service by 2030. This aircraft is designed to fly with zero emissions of static pollutants, making it a leader in environmentally conscious aviation.
Uniquely, its roof, wings, and tail are equipped with quantum solar cells that help power the plane. Towering at three stories tall and stretching 95 meters in length, the Eagle is powered by six hydrogen engines and can transport over 800 passengers on a single flight—redefining the future of large-scale air travel.
Airbus A321XLR
Manufacturer: Airbus Key Feature: Extended range Estimated Production Cost: €130 million*
Part of the Airbus A321 family, the A321XLR is a narrow-body aircraft that takes performance to a whole new level. Compared to earlier models, this version offers a significantly enhanced range of 8,300 to 8,800 kilometers, allowing for flight times of up to 10 hours.
This extended endurance—roughly double that of its predecessors—is achieved thanks to the addition of a third fuel tank. Airbus claims the A321XLR can also reduce fuel consumption by 30%, making it a more efficient and versatile option for airlines operating medium- to long-haul routes.
AirQuadOne
Manufacturer: Neva Aerospace Key Feature: Personal electric VTOL aircraft Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
Shaped by the collaboration of five European companies, the future of electric aviation is taking flight. British firm Neva Aerospace, known for creating robotic platforms and electric drones, has developed the AirQuadOne—their first personal aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
Powered by a four-fan propulsion system, the AirQuadOne can reach speeds of around 56 km/h and fly up to 40 kilometers. Besides passenger transport, it’s also designed to carry cargo. Charging the aircraft is as simple as plugging in an electric car, highlighting its user-friendly and eco-conscious design.
Boxwing Jet
Production Company: NASA and private industry Key Feature: Environmentally friendly design with reduced emissions Estimated Production Cost: Approximately 12% less than conventional aircraft
The Boxwing Jet features a modern design focused on significantly lowering fuel consumption and emissions. While not a completely new aircraft model, this jet achieves impressive environmental goals—cutting overall pollutant emissions by 75% and reducing NOx emissions by up to 90%.
Scheduled for release around 2035, the Boxwing Jet benefits from NASA’s extensive research and collaboration with private industry, positioning it as a promising eco-friendly option for future air travel.
Green Supersonic Aircraft
Production Company: Lockheed Martin Key Feature: Supersonic flight without sonic boom Estimated Production Cost: €200 million per unit*
Designed to meet modern sustainability standards, Lockheed Martin’s green supersonic aircraft is still in the conceptual phase. Initial designs were shared with NASA in 2010, and experts anticipate that production models could be ready by 2035.
Through extensive simulations, the project has demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to reach supersonic speeds while eliminating the disruptive sonic boom typically associated with such flights. This breakthrough promises a quieter, more environmentally friendly future for supersonic air travel.
VTOL Aircraft
Production Company: Bell Key Feature: High-speed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability Estimated Production Cost: €100 to €150 million per unit*
Alongside helicopters, modern VTOL aircraft such as the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter offer unique versatility. These aircraft can take off, land vertically, and glide—all without requiring a runway.
Recently, the Werle company unveiled a new VTOL design featuring folding rotors that enable high-speed flight reminiscent of a cat’s agility. This cutting-edge technology is called HSVTOL (High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing), promising to enhance the speed and maneuverability of future VTOL aircraft.
Wright1
Production Company: Wright Electric Key Features: Zero-emission passenger aircraft Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
The Wright1 is envisioned as a groundbreaking ecological aircraft, its name paying homage to the pioneers of aviation. Developed by Wright Electric, this plane is designed for airlines operating routes up to 800 miles.
What makes the Wright1 truly remarkable isn’t just its capacity to carry 186 passengers, but its ability to fly with zero emissions and minimal noise, while consuming significantly less fuel. This unique jet aims to revolutionize short-haul air travel, with designers eager to bring it to market swiftly.
Airbus ZEROe
Production Company: Airbus
Key Feature: Zero-emission commercial aircraft
Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
Currently a concept, the ZEROe represents a significant step toward developing zero-emission commercial airliners. Airbus has unveiled three different designs under this initiative, all aimed at becoming the world’s first zero-emission passenger aircraft.
Targeted for production by 2030, the ZEROe will be powered by hydrogen—a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional aviation fuels. This innovative project aligns with global climate goals, positioning Airbus at the forefront of environmentally responsible aviation technology.
Concorde Redux
Production Companies: United, Boom
Key Feature: Environmentally friendlier and more cost-efficient supersonic travel
Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
It’s been years since the iconic Concorde last soared through the skies. Known for carrying mostly affluent passengers at speeds of Mach 2 and cruising above 55,000 feet, the Concorde famously set a world record in 1996 by flying from New York to London in just three hours.
Though retired in 2003, the Concorde Redux aims to revive this legacy with a modern twist—offering supersonic travel that’s both more environmentally sustainable and economically viable for today’s market.
Pak Ta
Production Company: Ilyushin Key Feature: 80-ton cargo capacity with in-flight refueling Estimated Production Cost: €3.35 million per unit*
The Russian military transport aircraft is evolving with the Pak Ta, also known as the Ilyushin Il-106 Slon. This next-generation model stands out for its ability to refuel mid-flight and carry up to 80 tons of cargo across long distances.
Powered by four Aviadvigatel PD-35 engines, which are still in development, the Pak Ta shows strong potential. The research phase concluded in December 2020, and the aircraft is now in the construction stage, with its maiden flight expected between 2024 and 2026.
RQ-180
Production Company: Northrop Grumman
Key Feature: Unmanned aerial surveillance drone
Estimated Production Cost: Classified
For a long time, the existence of the RQ-180 was uncertain, but aviation enthusiasts eventually uncovered that it was already under development. This highly secretive project is believed to be conducted by the U.S. Air Force, with funding details kept confidential as part of their budget.
Constructed primarily from steel, the RQ-180 is an unmanned aircraft designed for advanced surveillance missions. Its pilotless design allows for extended reconnaissance flights, making it a vital asset in modern aerial intelligence gathering.
Venus Spaceship
Production Company: Northrop Grumman Key Feature: Designed to endure Venus’s harsh atmospheric conditions Estimated Project Cost: €1 billion*
Alongside the classified RQ-180, Northrop Grumman is developing an innovative aircraft called Venus. This inflatable, propeller-driven vehicle is engineered to operate for several years in the extreme environment of Venus, characterized by its thick atmosphere filled with sulfuric acid clouds.
NASA has shown interest in this ambitious project, funding it with approximately one billion euros. Since Venus’s atmosphere is rich in carbon dioxide, the Venus aircraft—also known as VAMP (Venus Atmospheric Maneuverable Platform)—must be exceptionally durable to withstand such a hostile environment.
Aeromobil 0.3
Production Company: Aeromobil
Key Feature: Flying car
Estimated Production Cost: €1.3 – €1.6 million per unit*
The futuristic Aeromobil 0.3 flying car could hit the market as soon as 2023, according to the manufacturer. Inspired by the mythological Greek Pegasus, this vehicle seems straight out of a sci-fi movie—but it’s quickly becoming a reality.
After more than a decade of research and development, Aeromobil has created a car that can transform into an airplane in under three minutes, blending road travel and flight into one innovative machine.
JAXA Plane
Production Company: JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Key Features: Supersonic flight with reduced noise emissions Estimated Project Cost: €137.8 million*
Based in Tokyo, JAXA is a frontrunner in cutting-edge aerospace technology. The agency is developing a supersonic aircraft designed to carry between 30 and 50 passengers.
This new model significantly reduces the sonic boom—far outperforming the original Concorde in noise control. Additionally, ticket prices are expected to be more affordable than those of its predecessor, making supersonic travel more accessible to a broader range of passengers.
Spike S-512
Production Company: Spike Aerospace Key Feature: Supersonic business jet with windowless design Estimated Production Cost: €80 million per unit*
The Spike S-512, developed by Boston-based Spike Aerospace, is a supersonic jet designed for luxury private and business travel. Capable of flying from New York to London in just 3 to 4 hours, the aircraft represents a bold leap in high-speed aviation.
One of its most innovative features is the absence of windows. Instead, the S-512 uses external cameras to capture real-time panoramic views, which are displayed on curved screens along the interior walls—offering passengers an immersive, futuristic flight experience.
SR-72
Production Company: Lockheed Martin Key Feature: Hypersonic drone capable of missile launch Estimated Project Cost: €1 billion*
A spiritual successor to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird—retired in 1998—the SR-72 is Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge hypersonic drone, often referred to as the “son of the Blackbird.” Although still in the concept phase, it represents the next leap in unmanned aerial technology.
The SR-72 is designed to fly at hypersonic speeds and is reportedly capable of launching hypersonic missiles. The first test vehicle is expected to be completed by 2025, marking a major advancement in high-speed military aviation.
Skylon
Production Company: Reaction Engines Limited Key Feature: Single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane with SABRE propulsion Estimated Project Cost: €12 billion*
Developed by the British company Reaction Engines Limited, the Skylon is an ambitious concept aircraft designed to reach orbit in a single stage. It features the innovative SABRE (Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine) system, which combines jet and rocket propulsion for seamless transition from atmospheric flight to space travel.
Powered by hydrogen, Skylon can reach altitudes of 85,000 feet and speeds up to Mach 5.4. Although the technology holds great promise for future spaceflight, its development comes with a steep price tag due to its complexity and advanced engineering.
WB-1010 Wind Whale
Production Company: Yanko Design
Key Feature: Generates wind energy during flight
Estimated Production Cost: Not specified
The WB-1010, also known as the “Spruce Whale,” is a visionary concept developed by Yanko Design. This futuristic aircraft is imagined to carry more than 1,500 passengers while reaching speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h.
One of its most groundbreaking features is its ability to harness wind energy mid-flight, contributing to a more sustainable aviation future. The aircraft would also feature intelligent glass windows, enhancing both energy efficiency and passenger experience. While still in the conceptual phase, the Wind Whale has the potential to redefine the future of commercial air travel.
Airbus VSR700 OPV
Production Company: Airbus Key Feature: High-endurance VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
The VSR700 OPV is a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Airbus, specifically designed for naval operations. Its primary role is to serve as a communication and surveillance link between naval units, providing commanders with a clearer and more comprehensive tactical overview.
This compact VTOL aircraft is equipped with advanced search and rescue capabilities and features a highly autonomous flight platform. Through the VSR700, Airbus demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling the evolving needs of modern naval forces worldwide.
Boeing Electric Cargo UAV
Production Company: Boeing
Key Feature: Fully electric, unmanned cargo transport
Estimated Production Cost: €306.6 million*
Boeing’s electric cargo aircraft marks a significant step forward in autonomous aviation. This fully electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for remote-controlled cargo delivery and features twelve propellers arranged in six twin-rotor systems.
Initial testing began in 2017, with outdoor trials conducted in 2019. However, due to financial setbacks in 2020, development was temporarily paused. Despite this, Boeing remains committed to advancing the project, which represents a promising leap toward cleaner and more efficient air freight solutions.
AeroMobil 4.0
Production Company: Aeromobil s.r.o.
Key Feature: Flying car with hybrid propulsion and Subaru engine
Estimated Production Cost: €1.3 – €1.6 million*
The AeroMobil 4.0 is the latest evolution in the company’s line of flying cars, with development tracing back to the 1990s. By 2017, the fourth-generation model had become significantly more advanced, featuring a hybrid propulsion system powered by either a 300 hp gasoline engine or a 110 hp electric motor—both sourced from Subaru technology.
Though development was briefly halted in 2015 due to a serious crash during testing, the pilot escaped uninjured. The setback led to design improvements, pushing the AeroMobil 4.0 closer to becoming a practical and innovative vehicle for both road and air travel.
Crystal Skye’s Boeing 777-200LR
Production Companies: Boeing, Crystal AirCruises Key Feature: Ultra-luxury private jet experience Estimated Cost: €50,000 per hour to charter*
The Crystal Skye Boeing 777-200LR takes one of aviation’s most reliable and long-haul-capable aircraft and transforms it into a flying palace. Known for its endurance and performance, the 777 has been reimagined by Crystal AirCruises to deliver an exclusive, private aviation experience.
Chartering this luxury aircraft costs approximately €50,000 per hour, but the amenities justify the price. Onboard, passengers enjoy a fully equipped bar, an elegant dining room, and 28 business-class seats designed for maximum comfort. It’s the epitome of air travel sophistication.
Green Airways Flying Saucer
Production Company: CleanEra Key Feature: Eco-friendly, lightweight design resembling a flying saucer Estimated Production Cost: Not disclosed
Developed in the Netherlands, the Green Airways flying saucer is a bold and unconventional concept from CleanEra. While its UFO-like shape draws immediate attention, it’s the project's sustainability focus that truly stands out.
Designed with lightweight materials and efficient propellers to reduce fuel consumption, the aircraft aims to be a model for environmentally conscious aviation. Though some skeptics question whether it will ever be built in its current form, the technological insights gained from its development mark an important step toward greener flight solutions.
Aeroscraft Dirigible Airship
Production Company: Worldwide Aeros Corp
Key Feature: Heavy-lift VTOL airship with variable buoyancy
Estimated Project Cost: €3 billion*
The Aeroscraft Dirigible, developed by Worldwide Aeros Corp, represents a modern reinvention of the airship. Featuring a rigid internal structure and advanced variable buoyancy control, it allows for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) without the need for runways.
The airship adjusts its lift by managing helium levels—pumping helium in or out of storage cells to modulate buoyancy. Although its flight speed is relatively low, the Aeroscraft’s unique design and heavy cargo capacity make it a promising innovation in aerial freight transport. Its commissioning was expected around 2023.
Maglev Urban Air Transport
Production Company: Various Key Feature: Energy-efficient magnetic levitation Estimated Production Cost: €1.2 billion*
Although it may sound like a futuristic concept, magnetic levitation technology has been in development for nearly a century. Today, it's an integral part of public transit systems in countries like South Korea, Japan, and China. Maglev systems rely on powerful magnetic fields to lift and propel vehicles without physical contact, enabling smooth and efficient high-speed travel.
Traditionally used for bullet trains and even cutting-edge roller coasters, the technology is now being adapted for a new purpose: a hybrid between aircraft and train. This Maglev Urban Air Transport concept aims to combine the speed and lift of an airplane with the stability and efficiency of a train. If fully realized, this innovation could greatly enhance mobility in major urban centers around the world.
SkyTug Hybrid Airship by Lockheed Martin
Production Company: Lockheed Martin Key Features: Combination of aerostatic and aerodynamic lift Estimated Production Cost: €40 million per unit*
Originally developed under the Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence (LEMV) program, Lockheed Martin's P-791 is a hybrid airship that remains in the experimental phase. Its design combines both aerostatic lift (like a traditional airship) and aerodynamic lift, offering unique advantages for long-duration missions.
The aircraft completed its first test flight in 2006, and while it carried a hefty price tag—around €40 million per unit—Lockheed Martin ultimately lost the military contract to rival Northrop Grumman. However, the project was not abandoned. Instead, the airship was repurposed for civilian use and rebranded as the SkyTug, a cargo airship aimed at revolutionizing freight transport.