Airbus’ Bird of Prey conceptual airliner aims to inspire next generation
Airbus recently unveiled a bird-like conceptual airliner design with the goal of motivating the next generation of aeronautical engineers.
Airbus recently unveiled a bird-like conceptual airliner design with the goal…
Airbus recently unveiled a bird-like conceptual airliner design with the goal of motivating the next generation of aeronautical engineers.
Airbus recently unveiled a bird-like conceptual airliner design with the goal of motivating the next generation of aeronautical engineers.
Airbus says it wants to inspire young people, showing how they can make a difference by applying technologies researched at the company in hybrid-electric propulsion, active control systems and advanced composite structures.
Sustainability
The theoretical design is a hybrid-electric, turbo-propeller aircraft for regional air transportation. Inspired by the efficient mechanics of a bird, it has wing and tail structures that mimic those of a bird of prey, while featuring individually controlled ‘feathers’ that provide active flight control.
Martin Aston, Senior Manager at Airbus, said: “One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before. We know from our work on the A350 XWB passenger jet that through biomimicry, nature has some of the best lessons we can learn about design.”
Biomimicry
While not intended to represent an actual aircraft, Airbus says its Bird of Prey is based on realistic ideas and provides an insight into what a future regional aircraft could look like.
It includes a blended wing-to-fuselage joint that mirrors the graceful and aerodynamic arch of an eagle or falcon, representing the potential of biomimicry (the design and production of materials, structures and systems inspired by nature).
“Our ‘Bird of Prey’ is designed to be an inspiration to young people and create a ‘wow’ factor that will help them consider an exciting career in the crucially important aerospace sector,” explained Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus. “Who can’t help but be inspired by such a creation?”
The conceptual design initiative is backed by the GREAT Britain campaign, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Air League, the Institution of Engineering and the Technology and Aerospace Technology Institute.
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