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SciTech

Real-life 'Transformer' airplanes: More than meet the eye


 
 
These are definitely the seeker jets you're looking for: airplanes that can split and combine, and even heal themselves in mid-air.
 
British company BAE Systems believes these and some other futuristic concepts could be deployed by 2040, UK's The Daily Mail reported.
 
"Of course we don't know exactly what sorts of aircraft technologies will be used in 2040 with any certainty, but it's great to be able to show the public some concepts that might be possible through projecting where today's technology could get to," said Nick Colosimo, a futurist with BAE's research and development department.
 


More than meets the eye

One of the technologies involves nanotechnology that can repair battle damage immediately after it happens—potentially rendering the aircraft virtually invulnerable.
 
BAE Systems said the aircraft, once it suffers battle damage, could use sensors to determine what is needed to repair the affected parts. A special fluid can fix the problem inflight.
 
The adhesive fluid can be released to quickly set while in mid-flight and heal any damage.
 
But wait, there's more: another aircraft in the works can divide into several parts that can perform various roles - simultaneously attacking a target from more than one point, then recombining once the job is done.
 
Other ideas being developed include on-board 3D printers that can print small drones, and directed energy systems such as laser beams.
 
BAE said the "Transformer" aircraft is flexible enough to combine smaller jets for more efficient travel, "before having them split apart to quickly adapt to any scenario."
 
In combined mode, the jets can increase range and save fuel. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
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