The Best Inventions Of The Year

Aircraft

A Wing and a Prayer

Robert Ferguson / Boeing
Article Tools
Print
Sphere
RSS

Boeing Phantom Works, with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory, has tested what it calls a "blended wing body," an 8.5%-scale prototype of what Boeing hopes will eventually be a fuel-efficient, quiet, high-capacity multipurpose jet for the military. The X-48B is destined for transport, bombing and intelligence. Wanna book a flight? Don't count on it ever going commercial.
Available: In 15 to 20 years
boeing.com

Next: Enter the Dragon >>

Cast Your Vote

Vote for the Gadget of the Year

What was the most revolutionary gadget that you just can't live without? Browse through the nominees and make your vote

Invention of the Year

The iPhone

The iPhone is more than just a gadget. It's a genuine handheld computer, the first device that really deserves the name

Video

How We Chose The List

Lev Grossman discusses the process of choosing the Best Inventions of the Year

Shopping

Tech Buyer's Guide

All the details on the newest products to help you decide how to spend your money wisely

Photo Essay

Emotive Clothing

A research team at Philips has developed clothes that look good and let others know how you feel

Photo Essay

The X-48B

NASA, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are teaming up to develop a Blended-Wing Body aircraft for the military

Timeline

Best Inventors

From Leonardo DaVinci to the YouTube gurus, read about how these inventors changed our lives

Viewpoint

Warren Buffett, Adjust My Bra

Scientists in Hong Kong have discovered there's a better way to build a bra. How will the lingerie industry respond? An open letter to the one man who can help