Jeremy Greaves, the vice president of corporate for Airbus UK, discusses the company’s “Bird of Prey” concept to that would use feather-like control surfaces, hybrid electric propulsion and electric systems to cut operating costs by 30 to 50 percent.
source/image(PrtSc): Defense & Aerospace Report
The initiative aims to inspire engineering innovation across the UK.The plane would be able to accommodate up to 80 passengers, and would have a range of 1,500 kilometres.
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.
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“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. “One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before.
