British and US aeronauts have taken up designing a silent aircraft to slash noise output and fuel consumption.

The single wing, 250 seat aircraft, which looks a bit like a spaceship, would use 25% less fuel than current average. Its creators told media they hope to see it begin commercial flights by 2030.

The effort was begun in 2003. Since then the initiative has gathered about 40 researchers from the Camb-ridge University, Massach-usettes Institute of Technology and some aeronautics firms. For cutting engine noise, the designers are focused on changing the aircraft structure. It makes half the noise a plane creates on landing.

They created a single flying wing, with the body of the aircraft also functioning to give lift, allowing a slower approach which reduces noise as well as improving fuel efficiency at cruising altitudes.

The new plane also does away with flaps, a major source of noise, while the undercarriage has been simplified and its aerodynamics improved. The engines are mounted on top of the aircraft, to screen much noise from the ground.

'My first reaction on hearing of the Silent Aircraft Initiative was profound scepticism,' said Dr. John Green of Greener by Design, which promotes environment friendly air transport options. 'Thr-ee years on, the SAI has surpassed my expectations. The team has produced a credible design that is predicted to meet the original target,' he added.