Airbus unveils its electric hybrid concept aircraft inspired by feathers of an Eagle.
Airbus unveiled the new aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo event on July 19, 2019.
Bird of Prey is going to be an electric hybrid regional aircraft with the capacity to carry up to 80 passengers. It cuts fuel consumption by 50% and reduces noise in the proximity of airports.
The aircraft has a unique design that mimic those of a bird. Its split tale is designed for better control and drag reduction. Blended wings where it includes the fuselage-mirrors the aerodynamic arch on the wing root.
Blended wing-to-fuselage joint also mirrors an eagle or falcon, as well as represents “the potential of biomimicry”, Airbus states.
The ‘#BirdOfPrey’ is taking wing! This sleek new concept takes inspiration from eagles to create a hybrid-electric design with individually controlled feathered wings. We’re always looking for pioneering new ideas – what would your aircraft be inspired by? https://t.co/HOfecb8X06 pic.twitter.com/0zXOr5znJv
— Airbus (@Airbus) July 19, 2019
Bird of Prey, with its hybrid-electric propulsion, is Airbus’ solution to reduce environmental emissions.
“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,” said Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus.