Airbus unveils concept transparent commercial airliner for the year 2050

[Ne-yo]

The concept plane is envisioned as a next-generation ‘engineer’s dream’ with features that will meet projections of the requirements of passengers in the future, according to an Airbus press release. The plane is also planned to be eco-friendly—Airbus engineers envision a lower fuel burn, a significant cut in fuel emissions, less noise and greater comfort. The Future by Airbus - The Airbus Concept Plane As far as I can tell I do not believe they are planning on having 'actual human pilots' fly commercial airliners in the future.

[nina]

So now the fat people have to worry about getting sucked out too, not just the people who can fit through those tiny portal windows. Interesting though. It's the way of the future...it's the...the way of the future. Come in with the milk. Oh and those seats look pretty uncomfortable.

[Spartiate]

A lot of this seems unlikely by 2050, airlines are very minimalist and won't be willing to pay for some of these (what I assume are extraordinarily expensive) fluff features. Personally I was hoping for a move back to supersonic or even sub-orbital transport . Transatlantic in 3 hours or less seems much more attractive than an in-flight driving range...

[Puffin]

Airplanes have been designed like they are in order to withstand the change in pressure outside... How are these planes supposed to have flimsy, glass-covered frames and be able to fly without imploding/exploding?

[Spartiate]

Airplanes have been designed like they are in order to withstand the change in pressure outside... How are these planes supposed to have flimsy, glass-covered frames and be able to fly without imploding/exploding? Biopolymer membrane The cabin's bionic structure will be coated with a biopolymer membrane, which controls the amount of natural light, humidity and temperature, providing opacity or transparency on command and eliminating the need for windows. This smarter structure will make the aircraft lighter and more fuel-efficient while giving passengers 360 degree views of the skies. This will offer unparalleled, unobstructed views of the wonders of the five continents - where you will be able see the pyramids or the Eiffel Tower through the transparent floor of the aircraft. Composite Materials Future materials may not even be the materials we see and use today. 'Composite' materials will be used - new matter made of a combination of different materials. In the future materials may not even take a solid state, but could be a composition of fluid and gas for example!

[Xei]

What are planes going to be running on in fifty years again? Fairy dust?

[Ne-yo]

Personally I was hoping for a move back to supersonic or even sub-orbital transport . Transatlantic in 3 hours or less seems much more attractive than an in-flight driving range... Completely agree and interesting that you've stated this. From what I've heard before, The Virgin Group has something like this in development. I don't think it's that Virgin Supersonic PR Hype stuff that seems to be traveling around the network however sources from Virgin Galactic has stated that supersonic flight is something currently in development. It's pretty much dependent on what happens with Virgin Galactic after 2016. Details are very sketchy if true at all but if anyone's going to make this happen it's more than likely going to be Richard Branson. I definitely want this also and I want this by 2020. Guess we'll see what happens.

[Spartiate]

As far as I know, most SST projects were cancelled around the turn of the millennium due to noise concerns and increasing operating costs as the price of fuel rose. Airlines these days are all about cramming people like sardines in whatever is most fuel-efficient. There are a couple of supersonic business jet concepts floating around though. RIP

[tommo]

I honestly don't know of a single concept like this (as in, 10+ years in the future concepts, or just a concept that seems to take everything in to account) that has made it through to production. As Spartiate said, they look for money makers. Also I think a lot of people would want to not actually fully realise that they are 2000+ metres in the air lol I think the future is space travel. Depending on the distance between start and end points it would be the most efficient because, the Earth spinning would be doing half the work in some cases. Also, Virgin Oceanic » The Dives This could be great really. Not sure how fast you could go, given all the hazards, but it would be amazing still. It's been a dream of mine (literally) since I was little to make a one man submarine and go to the depths of the oceans. It's the way of the future...it's the...the way of the future. Come in with the milk. Now that's just mean....

[sloth]

I agree, Tommo. If they make everything glass there are going to be a lot of nervous passengers. People like their artificial reality.

[Ne-yo]

lol

[tommo]

Any clear material ≠ Glass.

[Invader]

Looks like this came out of an architect's dream, very fancy. I've been waiting for the HyperSoar for the past 13 years though. Give an aircraft the ability to cross between two points on the globe in less than two hours and I don't care how shitty the seats are. No reason to limit the clear body to sub-sonic aircraft only though, especially when a view from sub-orbital flight is possible.

[Ne-yo]

I agree with that and the artist renditions are pretty awesome. Put this aircraft in a clear body and enjoy some pretty spectacular sub-orbital views. However flying at 10 - 12 times the speed of sound not sure how long the awesome experience would last. :p At this point however I'll take what I could get for that experience, even for a few minutes.

[greenhavoc]

2050 and still no jet packs. =/ I hate you, future.

[Spartiate]

2050 and still no jet packs. =/ I hate you, future.

[tommo]

You do know it's only 2011 yeah? Still a while before 2050 lol Anyway, I for one think it's probably good that there's no jetpacks. Look at how shit people drive in cars. If there were jetpacks.... I don't even want to guess at the death toll.

[Ne-yo]

Yup all of us will be over 50 so better start taking care of the body now so that you can enjoy the 'possible' full amenities of what 2050 have in store for us. I for one would like to see some hover boards like Back 2 the Future II style. I'll probably open up an 80's cafe and play some Michael Jackson "beat it" and have a 'wild gunman' old school arcade games that kids can actually use their hands to play with. Just like back in the olden days.

[Forsaken]

Any clear material ≠ Glass. +1 Transparent aluminum exists now, and actually has existed for quite some time, although it is very expensive and not as clear as glass.

[tommo]

There's also.... plastic. And various crystallised materials, quartz, diamonds etc. The list goes on. Never heard of that aluminium. Interesting.