SUSTAINABLE AIR TRANSPORT: IDENTIFYING POSSIBILITIES FOR TECHNOLOGICAL REGIME SHIFTS IN AIRCRAFT CONSTRUCTION

摘要

This paper analyses the historic genesis and further development of the dominant technological regime in civil passenger aircraft design, the civil jet engine aircraft. The emergence of the civil jet airliner cannot simply be explained as a technological necessity. Historically, more options were available which are still considered attractive for various niche applications in air transport. To reach sustainable long(er) range passenger transport, we will need radical new technological options; the dominant technological regime of civil jet aircraft design only produces incrementally more efficient aircraft. The paper analyses the history of the civil jet aircraft design regime in order to clarify the factors that contributed to the success of this regime, thereby also prohibiting a technological regime shift. It discusses options for new regimes in civil aviation, and draws conclusions regarding a path that could lead to sustainable air transport.