Reaction Engines’ A2 supersonic jet: Europe to Australia at 4,000 mph

Engadget’s got the scoop on a new Concord-like supersonic jet from Reaction Engines. They write,

“The supersonic jet, designed by Oxfordshire’s own Reaction Engines, could one day shuttle passengers from Europe to Down Under in less than five hours, cruising at up to 4,000 miles-per-hour along the way. Granted, the aircraft is still in concept mode at the moment, but if all goes to plan, it could be operational ‘within 25 years.’ Reportedly, the 156-yard long jet could maintain a speed of 3,800 miles-per-hour — over twice that of the famed Concorde — and could carry 300 guests on each trip.”

Very cool — but 25 years? That’s a long time. Who will want to fly in a plane when we have the technology to step into a telephone booth and dial up any place and time in the world and be there in seconds, complete with some gaudy-looking CG depicting wormholes and such? Not me.

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