Airbus unveils Maveric, a single blended wing airplane prototype

The company launched a physical “demonstrator” of the unusual and futuristic design, which might (or might not) become a real commercial plane in the future. 

Airbus is pushing forward with the test of its Maveric (Model Aircraft for Validation and Experimentation of Robust Innovative Controls) demonstrator, a 2 meters-long flying prototype with a 3.2m wingspan. The MAVERIC project aims at designing a single blended wing airplane that, according to the company, “opens up new possibilities for propulsion systems type and integration, as well as a versatile cabin for a totally new on-board passenger experience.”



The blended wing design is roughly similar to the two-pronged Flying-V concept unveiled by KLM and TU-Delft last year, but with a stark difference: instead of a two-pronged fuselage, the MAVERIC features one huge blended body acting as the wing that make it possible to completely redesign the passengers experience on board. While able to carry more people, on the MAVERIC the seats and the aisles could be more spacious and offer enhanced comfort. The extra horizontal space could also open to new possibilities for in-flight comfort, such as bunk bed cabins in economy class and improved legroom on every seating. 

The aim of the Airbus’ futuristic design is also to save fuel. According to the company’s engineers, the MAVERIC’s shape could help burn 20% less fuel. The aerodynamic testing conducted so far by Airbus in the UK has validated the engineers expectations, but further tests will be needed to analyze handling and flight control. 
Last but not least, the MAVERIC concept has been modeled around current jet engines, but Airbus is also working on other special projects to test a new generation of electric propulsion systems that might be integrated into this design or into other experimental planes Airbus is working on. 

Brand:
Airbus
Year:
2020

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