This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary as an aircraft manufacturer, Airbus has unveiled a futuristic plane design that draws inspiration from nature.
The 'Bird of Prey' plane, as it's called, features a unique design that includes individually controlled feathers, propellers on the front of the wings, and a blended wing-to-fuselage joint that mirrors the aerodynamic arch of an eagle or falcon.
According to Airbus, the design is meant to provide active flight control and is part of the company's efforts to make aviation more sustainable.
“One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before,” said Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus.
The 'Bird of Prey' plane is not intended to be a real aircraft, but rather a conceptual design aimed at inspiring the next generation of aeronautical engineers.
“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,” Aston added.
The design was revealed at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show in the UK in July 2019.
