The U.K.-based Centre for Process Innovation has a vision for the future of flying, and it doesn’t include windows.
No windows, but a 360-degree view of the plane’s exterior?
It’s a neat trick, accomplished with flexible photovoltaic displays mounted on the aircraft’s interior walls, which display a panoramic view of the plane’s surroundings captured by cameras mounted on the aircraft exterior.
CPI claims multiple benefits from the windowless approach, including:
- A more relaxing, entertaining cabin environment
- Stronger fuselage
- Lighter fuselage
- Thinner fuselage
The artist’s renderings of the windowless plane concept are compelling. The effect is of flying through the air with nothing between you and clouds. Every seat becomes a window seat. Every flight is a thrill ride.
A fuselage with thinner walls could free up interior space for wider seats.
And of course lighter planes use less jet fuel, a significant component in airlines’ operating expenses.
In short, the new technology has the potential to make air travel cheaper, more comfortable, safer, more eco-friendly.
A windowless cabin with a great view: a welcome contradiction. But it’s years away from making an appearance at an airport near you.
According to the company: “We predict large area flexible displays will be commercialized in the next decade. Integration into aircraft will take substantially longer.”
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This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.
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