Canada issues patent for commercial aircraft which can safely break apart

Airline Industry Information, March 3, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Canada has reportedly issued a patent for a commercial jet design that would break apart in an emergency and let the sections descend to the ground via parachute.

The proposal - which received a patent last month - calls for aircraft to be built in separate parts, then sealed together. In an emergency the pilot could push a button to sever the parts. Each section would be equipped with parachutes, shock absorbers, inflatable rafts, and propulsion jets that would guide it to the ground.

However, industry experts say the scheme has little chance of success, as the aircraft would be too heavy and would cost too much, reported Reuters.

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