One Possible Glimpse Into The Future At Farnborough Air
Show
A peek at one possible airliner of the future is on display this
this week, as aircraft manufacturer Airbus unveiled its Concept
Plane at the Farnborough International Airshow Monday.
And it looks a bit like the "Airliner of the Future" we've been
seeing for decades.
But more than a flight of pure fantasy, the images released
Monday illustrate what air transport could look like in 2050 - even
2030 if advancements in existing technologies continue apace.
Airbus experts in aircraft materials, aerodynamics, cabins and
engines came up with the design which is an 'engineer's dream' to
meet the expectations of the passengers of the future. Ultra long
and slim wings, semi-embedded engines, a U-shaped tail and
light-weight 'intelligent' body all feature to further improve
environmental performance or 'eco-efficiency'. The result: lower
fuel burn, a significant cut in emissions, less noise and greater
comfort.
Charles Champion, Executive Vice President Engineering at
Airbus, says: "The Airbus Concept Plane represents an engineer's
dream about what an aircraft could look like in the long term
future. It's not a real aircraft and all the technologies it
features, though feasible, are not likely to come together in the
same manner. Here we are stretching our imagination and thinking
beyond our usual boundaries. With the Airbus Concept Plane we want
to stimulate young people from all over the world to engage with us
so that we can continue to share the benefits of air transport
while also looking after the environment."
A recent poll suggests that the passengers of 2050 will be more
environmentally aware while also recognising the many benefits of
air travel. For the British public aged under 35, 'environmental
issues' are second only to 'cost' as a barrier to flying; those
aged 55+ rank ease of getting to the airport, flight duration and
comfort as being more important. Yet the majority of under-35s also
look forward to flying more in the future. Over 40 percent think
that for every two flights we make today, we will take at least
three by 2050. One in ten of us expects to fly at least twice as
much.
Behind the numbers is a belief that we will live in an
increasingly multicultural world where friends and family will be
based further from home, according to 68 percent; 64 percent cite a
growing desire to travel further and see more of our planet; and 54
percent the need for greater flexibility between life at home and
place of work. At the same time, independent forecasts predict the
global population will almost double - topping nine billion.
Robin Mannings, a leading independent Futurologist, looks ahead:
"Most of us want reduced traffic congestion - both on the ground
and in the sky - together with improved comfort for a better
travelling experience; the poll confirms that. By 2050, we'll also
expect seamless access to a plethora of technology and
applications. And 'flexibility' will become the new mantra for air
travel, with us as passengers choosing levels of speed or luxury in
cruise ships of the sky."
Further future-gazing by Airbus shows blueprints for radical
aircraft interiors. In 'The Future by Airbus' the company talks of
morphing seats made from ecological, self-cleaning materials, which
change shape for a snug fit; walls that become see-through at the
touch of a button, affording 360 degree views of the world below;
and holographic projections of virtual decors, allowing travelers
to transform their private cabin into an office, bedroom or Zen
garden!
'Green' energy sources like fuel cells, solar panels or even our
own body heat might provide energy for powering some systems on
tomorrow's aircraft. As aeronautics engineers continue to use
nature as a source of inspiration, some of these aircraft may even
fly in formation like birds to reduce drag, fuel burn and therefore
emissions.
Beyond nature, Airbus is looking to the passengers of 2050
themselves for inspiration as the company enters its next 40 years
of innovation. Friday is Futures Day at the airshow, with a program
of activities to engage young people. Airbus is running focus
groups to ask the next generation what they want from air travel.
The same day, registration opens for Airbus' 'Fly Your Ideas' - a
global competition challenging University students to develop new
ideas for a greener aviation industry. The winners will share the
top prize of $38,000, and the runners-up about $20,000.