Saturday, July 6, 2013

How will they keep the bugs off the windscreen?

Airbus unveil the transparent plane we'll be flying around in come 2050 (but maybe not those with a fear of flying)

With its see-through aircraft cabin, passengers of the future will get a get a window on the world as they fly through the sky.
For this plane with it's 'intelligent' cabin wall membrane and interactive games, may be everyday air transport in 2050.
The futuristic concept for travel in 40 years' time was yesterday unveiled in London by Airbus - and it'll terrify those who already have a fear of flying.
Window on the world: Gone are the small aircraft windows in the 'vitalising zone' which provides a panoramic view for passengers
Window on the world: Gone are the small aircraft windows in the 'vitalising zone' which provides a panoramic view for passengers
Flight of fancy? Artists impression of an x-ray of an 'intelligent' concept cabin of an aircraft of the future
Flight of fancy? Artists impression of an x-ray of an 'intelligent' concept cabin of an aircraft of the future
First, business and economy cabins are replaced by zones for relaxation in the front, work in the back, and a fully-stocked bar for socialising.
Passengers will be able to see everything to the sides and in front of them. So blindfolds might be handy come take-off and landing time.
The aircraft's walls change according to light conditions. There are holographic pop-up gaming displays and in-flight entertainment powered by the heat of passengers' bodies.
The technology could mean travellers might even be able to read bedtime stories to their children back home.
Most of the basic technology such as moulding seats and 'head-up displays' already exist, but how Airbus plan to make the plant-based, transparent 'skin' of the plane remains a mystery.
Starry skies: The cabin wall membrane controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers views throughout the day and night
Starry skies: The cabin wall membrane controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers views throughout the day and night
Night flying: Artist's impression of how the aircraft of 2050 will look on the outside
Voyage of discovery: Artist's impression of how the aircraft of 2050 will look on the outside at night
The concept cabin would be a bionic structure that 'mimics' the efficiency of bird bone, claim Airbus.
It would provide strength where needed, and also allows for an 'intelligent' cabin wall membrane which controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open, panoramic views.
Airbus believes that mid-century passengers might be able to enjoy a game of virtual golf or take part in interactive conferences, while the cabin 'identifies and responds' to travellers’ needs.
    The cabin of the future follows last year’s unveiling of the Airbus concept plane, packed with technologies to reduce fuel burn, emissions, waste and noise.
    In the cabin concept, the 'vitalising zone' helps passengers relax, with vitamin and antioxidant-enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments.
    Anyone seen my ball? Passengers will be able to play virtual golf in the interaction zone on the plane
    Anyone seen my ball? Passengers will be able to play virtual golf in the interaction zone on the plane
    In the 'interactive zone' there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.
    The 'smart tech zone' is tailored towards the more functional-orientated passenger with what Airbus describes as 'a chameleon-style offering.'
    It aims to meet individual needs ranging from a simple to a complete luxury service, but all allowing you to continue life as if on the ground'.
    Airbus engineering executive vice-president Charles Champion said: 'Our research shows that passengers of 2050 will expect a seamless travel experience while also caring for the environment.
    'The concept cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination.'
    Sky's the limit: Charles Champion, Airbus's Executive Vice President of Engineering, unveils the Airbus Concept Cabin at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London
    Sky's the limit: Charles Champion, Airbus's Executive Vice President of Engineering, yesterday unveils the Airbus Concept Cabin at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London


    Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2003052/

    Thursday, July 4, 2013

    Making the Airbus A350

    A behind the scenes look at the building of the Airbus A350, which has taken to the skies in its maiden test flight.


    Planes of the future on display at Paris Air Show

    Cutting edge aircraft from luxurious business jets and unmanned drones to the most advanced commercial passenger planes go on show in the French capital.



    The world's most influential aircraft manufacturers are showing off their latest innovations on the tarmac at Le Bourget Airport.
    More than 350,000 visitors are expected to attend the 50th Paris Air Show, to see some of the most advanced designs in aviation history.
    They include the Gulfstream G650, which is said to be the fastest plane of its kind in the world.
    "It enables you to fly non-stop from Paris to Los Angeles or Paris to Hong Kong at nine-tenths of the speed of sound," said Steve Cass, Vice President of Communications at Gulfstream Aerospace.

    The first class cabin of a Qatar Airways Ltd. Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner aircraft 
    It also boasts a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption - in line with the industry's big focus on making aircraft leaner and greener.
    "We are making new engines that are consuming much less fuel, like the Dreamliner behind me and the Airbus A350," said aviation expert Gerard Feldzer.
    "We are also looking towards developing an electric, commercial plane - something that was just unimaginable five years ago."
    This form of power is at the heart of a project being run by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).
    The "E-Fan" is an electrically-thrusted multi-engine, two seater aircraft, which is designed to have battery packs in its wings and an electrical taxiing system.
    Military aircraft are also on display at the show, along with surveillance systems and unmanned planes.
    The Paris Air Show runs until June 23.

    Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk