Airbus unveils transparent plane

[Denny Yen 0]

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)

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 12:53 AM on 14th June 2011

 

 

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 has been unveiled in London by planemakers 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

 

Flight of fancy? An artist's 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

 

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

 

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

 

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.'

[Zamir 0]

Where do they place the cockpit then

[BC Tam 2]

In the cabin concept, the 'vitalising zone' helps passengers relax, with vitamin and antioxidant-enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments.

Unless human anatomy and physiology has evolved significantly from what we are nowadays blessed with, by 2050, the highlighted component up there shall remain ..... shall we for sake of politeness term it as non-essential

[Denny Yen 0]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAGT5A589xE Edited June 14, 2011 by Denny Yen

[Alvin Liew 0]

MH place order lah... hahaha

[Wilson Kook 0]

That's some unbelievable stuff.

[affendi osman 0]

I wonder how will it be when the plane pass through thick clouds?

Bird strike anyone?

[Azman MN 1]

So no on-board showers for Emirates anymore?

 

Anyway, besides the transparent walls, most of the other features can already be had on current planes, except that airlines prefer to fill it up with seats.

[Wilson Kook 0]

I've got a question tho.

Imagine if you're playing "virtual golf" and the flight goes through some severe turbulence. Early halt to your progress.

Kinda "potong steam"

[BC Tam 2]

I have a feeling that those who are still around 39 years on from now will look back and have a few chuckles at our expense, in much the same way we nowadays 'marvel' at some of the contraptions envisaged during (our) earlier times

 

Why do we need to fly when we can be zapped around at will (Star Trek style) ?

And with wings ?

Fuel - what is that ? Thought the stuff ran dry ages ago ?

Golf - isn't that some mystical ancient ritual grandpa professes to (and grandma cringes at) ?

 

But really, one only has to compare between what was envisaged of the A380 during concept design phase and what is available now, you'll get a pretty good estimation of how much actually gets translated in reality

[Waiping 12]

I thought the plane will go invincible. So much for spotting then.

[Radzi 2]

I believe the future of aviation will be revolutionized by advances in MEDICAL technology.

 

Put people to sleep, pack them up 400 to a 737-sized aircraft, wake them up after arrival. No need for food, seats, IFE whatsoever.

[Lock SH 0]

Please don't give the idea to O'Leary or TF, they might implement it ........

 

 

[Waiping 12]

Just like "Avatar".

[affendi osman 0]

Cabin crew must change their skirts and sarong kebaya to a proper one.

Otherwise, they will be 'seen' by ground personnel!

Kinda marilyn monroe show then!

[Mike P 0]

This is absolutely awesome... wonder how they could enforce the glass. Besides, won't it be a bit scary able to see through out the sky? For certain people like Acrophobia? On the other hand, I think those Claustrophobia could attempt to fly now...

[Denny Yen 0]