Airbus “fantasy plane”

As soon as 2030, we might be flying in a new, more efficient aircraft with long, curled wings, a U-shaped tail, and a lightweight body — if manufacturer Airbus develops the “fantasy plane” it unveiled today at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK. The concept aircraft is more fuel efficient, boasts advanced interior systems, and, best of all, it’s quieter.

Some of the dream plane’s more fanciful features include holographic projections of virtual decors, so that each passenger could transform his or her area into a workspace, a bedroom, or a Zen garden, and walls and floors that can be made invisible, allowing better views of the landscape below.

Airbus was responding to a survey that showed that, among young people, environmental concerns were second only to cost as a reason for not flying. Among those over 55, comfort was the bête noir.

Charles Champion, engineering executive vice-president at Airbus, said; “It’s not a real aircraft and all the technologies it features, though feasible, are not likely to come together in the same manner.” Those of us who are afraid of heights would be just as happy to keep the floor opaque

Via Inhabitat