US-based company AirportParking has completed a brainstorming exercise about air travel of the future. Their radical concepts include more legroom, seats for 1,000 people, live outdoor scenes and VR headsets. Their idea includes a blended wing plane and 3D movie displays.
A UK based agency that helps people find airport parking has completed a brainstorming exercise to predict air travel of the future. They expect that, by 2050, airplanes will be completely different. They envisaged huge planes that can seat up to 1,000 people, live projections of images on the cabin’s walls, virtual reality headsets, and spacious, comfortable lounges where passengers can relax and be comfortable.
AirportParking.co.uk brought together some of the country’s most innovative brains to come up with the ideas. They believe that the plane of the future will have blended wing designs. This means it would also have shorter but wider fuselage and would remove the need for a tail wing. Instead, six biofuel engines, found to the body’s back, will fuel the plane.
The wings will be larger and the body wider, which means that some 1,000 passengers could be accommodated. Interestingly, these passengers would have far more leg room than what is available now. The new plane would not, however, have many windows, something that some people may found uncomfortable. However, other features will be added instead, including:
Walls covered with transparent LCD screens, enabling people to see outside or use the in-flight systems. Cabin crew can also project relaxing images, for overnight flights.
The removal of backseat monitors, providing people with virtual reality headsets instead. This will play 3D games and movies. The sets will fold away automatically when the plane takes off and lands, or if an emergency happens.
In flight bars, so that passengers are encouraged to socialize with others and leave their seats to stretch their legs regularly.
One of the things the team focused on very strongly was on making the plane of the future more energy efficient. Currently, planes are still reliant on fossil fuels. Not only are these fuels now in low supply, they also pollute the environment significantly. Hence, the team go to work on designing something that was greener, more efficient and had a lower carbon footprint.
A representative from the research team said: The new plane has to use biofuels, which have low emissions. Plus, we envision clusters of electric fans, each of which will be powered by a very small-size engine. This means that emissions will be significantly reduced. Additionally, it also reduces drag so that the planes become more aerodynamic. We believe that the way to achieve this is to use Boeing’s microlattice for the walls, flooring and seating, because it is ultra-light.
Those who have come across the report were initially skeptical, believing it to be a fantastical brainchild. In reality, however, it is a well thought-out, possible alternative to travel today. The Boeing microlattice already exists and many of the ideas that they have combined actually come from NASA, Boeing and Airbus.
An AirportParking representative stated: For many people, air travel is nothing but a very uncomfortable way to start their vacation. Through our concept and ideas, the minute someone boards the plane, their holiday actually begins. They will be more comfortable, have plenty of entertainment, and will be able to walk around and socialize, instead of being confined to their seats for countless hours. The model we have come up with is groundbreaking, yes, but we also believe it to be possible and we think that, in 30 to 40 years’ time, it will actually become a reality.
