Airbus designed a plane prototype to look like a 'bird of prey' – take a look
Airbus is working to inspire the latest in flight innovation – and using a "bird of prey" conceptual design to do so.
The company premiered the design in the U.K. at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show last week: "A hybrid-electric, turbo-propeller aircraft for regional air transportation," according to a press release. Its wings and tail structure were designed to copy that of a bird of prey because of birds' "efficient mechanics."
This concept is just that – a concept. The "bird of prey" is meant to give insight into what a regional aircraft might look like in the future. It has components like "a blended wing-to-fuselage joint" meant to reflect the arch of an eagle or falcon.
"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,” Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus, said in a statement. "One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before. 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. Who can’t help but be inspired by such a creation?"
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Airbus unveils 'Bird of Prey' design at Royal International Air Tattoo
