It is sometimes easy to forget, as we check-in online, or wait in security queues, or make sure our seat back is upright and our table is folded away, that flying was once considered the height of luxury... indeed flying was once a dream in the minds of visionaries, one that many thought would never happen. Today, it is a necessary part of modern transport infrastructure. It carries millions of people each day and helps build trade links and deliver commodities and consumers all over the globe. But it is nice to know that we have not totally forgotten the visionaries.
Bauhaus Luftfahrt is a German-based aviation think-tank that “develops sustainable, innovative solutions for future air travel and air transportation”. One of the projects it is currently working on is called Claire. Rather than just describe… her, it may be easier to simply show you what she looks like:
This concept aircraft would utilise the latest in engine and wing design to be ultra-efficient and ultra-quiet while carrying large numbers of passengers in comfort. While the design may seem far-fetched, it is important to note that any of the cutting-edge elements that make up this design may spawn new technologies in their own right.
Take the idea of morphing winglets, for example. New Scientist reports that both Boeing and Airbus are looking at technologies that would allow the winglets (that are at the end of the wings on a large number of modern aircraft) to change shape mid-flight, taking advantage of the optimum operating conditions – basically altering to be the most effective angle and position at each point in the journey. This development could also provide massive savings in fuel consumption.
And our friends at Finnair have taken the vision of our aviation forefathers and run with it – all the way to the year 2093. They have commissioned artists to represent the aircraft of the future and present them – as well as the vision of aviation industry experts – on a website called Departure 2093. Below is their concept aircraft, the A1700-2400 Cruiser. I will leave you to explore the exciting world that awaits you (or your grandchildren) in 85 years…
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