Make word combinations using the words from the left-hand and the right-hand boxes.

carbon/ electrical/ compressed/ comfortable/ exceptional/ breaking/ safety/ wind

conductivity/ features/ environment/ air/ loads/ fibre/ tunnel/ point/

45 *Fill in the gaps with the word combinations from Ex. 44.

The purpose of testing aircraft on the ground is reducing the number of in-flight tests. Based on the experience of the past crashes, the designers add extra ________ ________ to prevent potential problems. Static tests are meant to estimate the _______ ________ for the wings and fuselage as a result of loads during the flight. To estimate the potential damage from bird strikes, engineers use large _________ ______ guns. Aviation manufacturer also conduct hot and cold tests to ensure proper functioning of the systems and ____________ ___________ for the passengers. Flying conditions can be simulated in ________ _________ and ground testing facilities. To protect modern ________ _______ aircraft from lighting strikes, new solutions are needed because the metal coating added to increase __________ _________ also increases the aircraft weight.

46 *Watch the video about how airplanes are made and choose the correct option.

a) The video takes you on a tour around the Boeing/ Airbus facility.

b) Engineers and designers develop the aircraft and its manufacturing/ testing process.

c) Aerodynamics of every part is tested separately/ in flight.

d) There are over two/ three million parts.

e) The wings and fuselage are made out of carbon/ glass fibre composites.

f) The last part to install is the landing gear/ engine.

g) The facility can produce ten/ two airplanes a month.

h) Every single part of the manufacture process has its own expert/ office.

 

Module 8 Lesson 4                                                           Revolution in the Skies

 

How will future aircraft be different from what we have today?

Brainstorm this question in small groups. Use the prompts below to sum up your brainstorming results.

We think (that) We believe (that) We suppose (that) We are not absolutely sure but

future aircraft … future airplanes future planes

will won’t must (not) might (not)

be be able to look have …

Look at the photos. What future concept does this plane represent? What do you know about this project?

Watch the video about Solar Impulse 2 and correct mistakes in the text below

Solar Impulse 2 boasts the wingspan of a Boeing 777, and weighs just like a truck. It is covered in heat-insulating panels. The plane flies at a speed of about 500 mph and is very easy to control. The goal is to fly as high as possible. The cockpit is as spacious as a limousine. The pilots Borschberg and Piccard use yoga, self-hypnosis and meditation to endure days in the air without losing their minds. This airplane demonstrates the future of aviation. The pilots believe that in 50 years’ time commercial solar powered planes will appear.

Work in groups of three. Choose one text to read and discuss these questions.

STUDENT A

The drive to increase fuel efficiency and improve the aerodynamic performance of new aircraft is leading designers to move away from using aluminium in airframes. Instead today's latest planes like Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and Airbus's A350 rely on lightweight carbon fibre composites. The key to a composite material like carbon fibre is that it is incredibly strong for its weight. Composites mean that manufacturers can get a good surface finish on components to optimise their aerodynamic performance.

Using these kinds of materials is also opening up other potential savings. An A380 super-jumbo, for instance, has about six million parts – but in future this could be cut down considerably. Manufacturing time also will shorten, saving money.

Crucially for aircraft manufacturers, carbon fibre components are lighter than similar parts made of aluminium. Each kilogramme cut means a saving of roughly $1m in costs over the lifetime of an aircraft – and the use of such composites can reduce the weight of an aircraft by up to 20%. Currently, Boeing's latest plane, the 787 Dreamliner uses composites for half of its airframe including the fuselage and wing, while Airbus's A350 XWB has both its fuselage and wings made of carbon fibre.

The great advantage of using carbon fibre as opposed to traditional metal is that it gives aircraft designers much more freedom when trying to combine the demands of aerodynamic efficiency, fuel savings and reducing engine noise.

Airbus recently presented its own proposals for an airliner of the future - and it too moves away from the traditional narrow tube-like fuselage. Instead, its 2050 concept plane has a fatter fuselage, which is curved and shaped to improve airflow and to provide more internal space. Its wings are longer and slimmer to reduce drag and save on fuel. The tail section is U-shaped, which acts as a shield, cutting down on engine noise. The engines themselves will have become more reliable, so ground crew will need to access them less frequently for maintenance. (2,027 characters) https://www.bbc.com/news/business-25833264