Destinus Unveils Hypersonic Device at Paris Air Show, Aims for Commercial Flights by 2040
Paris, France – Destinus, a leading aerospace company, showcased a prototype of its hypersonic device at the Paris Air Show. The company has set an ambitious objective of launching the first commercial flights using this technology by 2040.
The hypersonic plane, powered by hydrogen, promises to connect Paris to New York in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. This groundbreaking proposal has captured the imagination of many, despite the fact that marketing for the device is not yet underway.
Jean Philippe Girault, Deputy CEO of Destinus, explained the potential of the project, stating, “The Destinus project offers the possibility of providing carriers and air services operators with a vehicle capable of flying at 6000 km/h at an altitude of 30 km, enabling intercontinental travel in a very short time.” Girault made these remarks during an interview on Tech&Co on June 20.
In addition to the Paris-New York route, the hypersonic plane also aims to offer flights from Paris to Singapore in just 3 hours and 15 minutes, and Paris to Sydney in 4 hours and 30 minutes. This would be twice as fast as the Concorde, at an altitude three times higher than commercial flights.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this technology is its commitment to being carbon-free. Girault emphasized, “The fossil era is finished, and we are all in this energy transition.” Destinus devices operate on liquid hydrogen, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
However, it is important to note that passenger transportation using these hypersonic devices is not currently possible. Girault explained that the company is gradually demonstrating the necessary technological advancements and working towards developing certification rules. He stated, “We have a progressive roadmap to mature and develop the certification rules that will be useful.”
Girault also highlighted the need for collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Eurocontrol to establish the necessary rules for the project. He stated, “These rules, for the moment, do not exist for our project, and they remain to be built in conjunction with EASA and Eurocontrol. This is the working group in which we are.”
Destinus plans to release its first hypersonic aircraft, the Destinus S, by 2030. By 2040, the company aims to introduce the Destinus L, capable of carrying 300 to 400 passengers, similar to an A380.
“Our vision is to offer a range of aircraft, starting with the smallest, and gradually expand into the market segment. We believe this market will be attractive enough to move towards commercial flights,” Girault added.
Initially, the prices for these hypersonic flights are expected to be high, with a Paris-New York ticket estimated at around 8000 euros. However, Destinus aims to democratize the offer and reduce costs over time.
The question of autonomous devices also remains a topic of discussion. Girault concluded, “Will a pilot be required in these devices or not? We will meet again in ten years.”
As Destinus continues to push the boundaries of aviation technology, the world eagerly awaits the realization of their ambitious vision for hypersonic travel.
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How does Destinus plan to power its hypersonic device with hydrogen and why is this a significant step towards carbon-free air travel?
Estinus plans to power its hypersonic device with hydrogen, making it a carbon-free option for intercontinental travel. The aerospace company showcased a prototype of the device at the Paris Air Show and has set a goal to have commercial flights using this technology by 2040.
The hypersonic plane has the potential to connect Paris to New York in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, significantly reducing travel time. In addition to the Paris-New York route, Destinus aims to offer flights from Paris to Singapore in 3 hours and 15 minutes, and Paris to Sydney in 4 hours and 30 minutes. These travel times would be twice as fast as the Concorde, at an altitude three times higher than commercial flights.
Jean Philippe Girault, Deputy CEO of Destinus, highlighted the potential of the project to revolutionize air travel. He stated that the hypersonic device can fly at speeds of 6,000 km/h at an altitude of 30 km, making intercontinental travel much faster and more convenient.
What sets this technology apart is its commitment to being carbon-free. Girault emphasized the company’s dedication to the energy transition, stating that “the fossil era is finished.” By using hydrogen as a power source, Destinus aims to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for air travel.
While the marketing for the hypersonic device is not yet underway, its groundbreaking proposal has already captured the imagination of many. With its potential to revolutionize air travel and provide a carbon-free option, Destinus aims to make commercial flights using this technology a reality by 2040.
