The free exhibition will run for six months in Antenna – the Science Museum's contemporary science gallery.

Exhibition Highlights

Blended-wing body aeroplane

On display will be a futuristic blended-wing body aircraft model from Cambridge University – a concept which has been developed as part of the Silent Aircraft Initiative. Designed to reduce fuel burn, the plane is one big 'flying wing', featuring a novel centre-body shape with leading edge carving. This design balances the aerodynamic forces without the need for a tail, and features streamlined wings which provide efficient 'lift' distribution and low cruise drag.

The concept aeroplane also features engines with high capacity low speed fans designed to minimise noise levels and improve fuel efficiency. Researchers are predicting that planes like this could cut carbon emissions by 25 per cent and might become a reality by 2030.

'EcoJet' aeroplane

Also on display is an innovative easyJet aeroplane model. Featuring open rotor engines, the plane is designed to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent. Situated at the back of the aircraft, the open rotor engine is operated by fan blades which cut through the open air and use less fuel. Other features include swept forward wings which make the aircraft more aerodynamic. It would also be made from lighter materials such as carbon fibre composites. This style of aeroplane could be in use by 2016.

Other objects

Other items on display include examples of lighter aircraft materials such as the titanium aluminide turbine blade from an aeroplane engine and an example of carbon fibre composite. A section from an aeroplane engine designed to make planes more energy efficient will also be on display.

Holly Cave, content developer on the exhibition, said, "The aviation industry is often framed in the media as a big contributor of climate-changing emissions – but the real story is that while flying has a relatively small carbon footprint now, its impact on climate change is steadily growing.

"This exhibition is an ideal opportunity for visitors to see how scientists and engineers are working together to tackle aviation's environmental impact and produce the aircraft of tomorrow. Visitors might also be surprised to see just how much flying can contribute to their personal carbon footprint, and can decide if they want to do something about it!"

The exhibition is sponsored by EADS and will run until November 2008 in Antenna, the gallery that brings visitors what's new in science. The Antenna gallery is devoted entirely to new developments in the fast-moving world of science and technology represented through a series of constantly-updated exhibitions and live events. -- www.sciencemuseum.org.uk