Airbus eyes the skies with self-healing plane

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  • Airbus concept plane

    Airbus concept plane

    On 13 June, Airbus showed off its notions of civil aviation in 2050. Combining ideas ranging from the common sense — larger aircraft doors for faster boarding — to the frankly fantastic — seats grown from seeds — the show was as inventive, entertaining and convincing as a Doctor Who special. ZDNet UK materialised at the event.

    Airbus's concept aircraft has a cellular structure to its skin, built on the idea of void-ridden bird bones. Although Airbus didn't say what the material was, it can also be self-healing if damaged and has a transparent mode to give those without fear of flying a grandstand view of the world outside at 45,000 feet. Airbus didn't say what sort of structural testing and regulatory certification would cover such a polymorphic material.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Airbus

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • View from upper deck

    View from upper deck

    The view from the upper deck of the concept aircraft, in transparent mode. As is traditional in future aircraft, the current bugbears of oxygen mask storage, crowded seats and lack of headroom have been magically solved. Also not pictured, the ultimate misery of air travel — the other passengers.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Airbus

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • Plane at night

    Plane at night

    At night, the stars come out. Airline pilots frequently say that one of the best bits of their jobs is the night sky, as they have an unrivalled view and plenty of time to enjoy it on transoceanic flights, and many are expert amateur astronomers. In this shot from 2050, the same treat is promised to passengers.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Airbus

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • Flying in formation

    Flying in formation

    Another idea stolen from birds is formation flying to help fuel efficiency. By forming up into a V shape, airliners can take advantage of each other's wakes to reduce drag, and over long distances this could save up to 15 percent of fuel used. The main trouble is synchronising flight times, especially considering congestion at the airports, and safety in stormy weather.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Airbus

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • Future airport pod

    Future airport pod

    An airport devoid of any features above ground except runways and a combined terminal/control tower could have a much higher traffic density than current designs. By keeping passengers in a detachable pod that can be moved wholesale, the turnaround time between arrival and departure could be cut to under five minutes. The bulbous items pictured above the airport are not, however, flying pigs.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Airbus

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • Concept plane model

    Concept plane model

    One of the highlights of the recent Airbus event showing the company's 40-year dreams was this stunning transparent acrylic model. Airbus isn't saying that the future will look like this, just that the melange of concepts it brings together may contain some pointers to aviation later this century.

    Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

    Photo by: Rupert Goodwins

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

  • Biofuels

    Biofuels

    The reality of aviation's future is rather more prosaic than the earlier flights of fancy. Camelina is a plant that can be processed to produce a biofuel that, it is claimed, can cut CO2 emissions by 75 percent over the total lifetime of an aircraft. It is also said to grow well in areas not suitable for food crops and be resistant to poor climatic conditions. To date, no biofuel alternative has lived up to the initial hype.

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    Photo by: Rupert Goodwins

    Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

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View from upper deck

The view from the upper deck of the concept aircraft, in transparent mode. As is traditional in future aircraft, the current bugbears of oxygen mask storage, crowded seats and lack of headroom have been magically solved. Also not pictured, the ultimate misery of air travel — the other passengers.

Also on ZDNet UK: Nasa's test planes in pictures.

Caption by: Rupert Goodwins

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