Scientists, structural engineers and designers at Airbus have come up with a vision of how we may travel in the future, and are showing a model of what they envisage at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh. Airbus is proud of this inspirational new design – which boasts a totally new structure akin to the human skeleton.
The idea is that this design will be both strong and relatively lightweight. The skeletal structure could also mean that passengers have a better view of the skies they are travelling through. The design could also drastically reduce the fuel costs of flying.
Airbus has said the aim would be to 3D print the composite material that would make the structure.
Other ideas for the future plane include an upward curve on the tail to reflect engine noise upwards and reduce noise pollution.
Inside the aircraft, Airbus engineers envisage new “zones” to replace the traditional seating, with “morphing” seats that are able to harvest energy from those sitting in them as well as change shape to fit the size of passengers.
At the front of the plane, the team suggested seating with integrated sensors that would be able to monitor health. And there could even be a gaming zone, where passengers could play virtual sports.
Airbus engineer Bastian Schaefer said: “Flying in the future must remain affordable for both people and from an environmental perspective.”
However, he acknowledged that design alone would not solve all his industry’s problems.
“We are running out of oil and we have to find other solutions,” he said.
“Some of this can be done via technology, but we are also looking for alternative fuels.”
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