July 24th, 2019 : Bird of Prey

[xoxoxoBruce]

This is a design that elicits a WTF are you shittin’ me?
Then I see it’s a prop job and electric, and it’s just a drawing not a blueprint so it’s just suggesting an odd shaped wing that
would be much sturdier. But it’s “dumb old Airbus”* so maybe they really believe it.
*Inside joke, I retired from Boeing.



Dezeen said...

Airbus has unveiled a bird-like concept for a hybrid-electric airliner that aims to show the potential of using biomimicry in aviation design.
Inspired by the "efficient mechanics" of birds, Airbus' Bird of Prey conceptual aircraft features wing and tail structures with individually controlled feather-like tips, which help with control while minimising drag.
The concept also boasts a smooth wing root – the point where the wing joins the fuselage – designed to imitate the graceful, aerodynamic arch of an eagle or falcon.
The feathered tips of the plane's tail are decorated with the pattern of a union jack, which contrasts with its orange body and more subtly coloured blue, white and gold wings.
While not intended to represent an actual aircraft, the Bird of Prey concept is based on realistic ideas. Its designers are aiming to provide an insight into what the future of aviation could look like if designers harnessed the potential of biomimicry – design inspired by nature.

AIRBUS said...

"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," said Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus.
"One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before," he continued.
"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," added Aston.

Martin Aston? His parents wanted him to succeed.
This may be a inspirational ploy by AIRBUS, but there’s plenty of strange things going on up in the air from the people hooked on
images of the Jetsons and Star Trek dancing in their head.



Uber seems to want to burn through more billions than they lose every year already.