
Revealed at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show in the UK, the new Airbus Bird of Prey’s theoretical design was designed to inspire the next wave of aeronautical engineers. Highlighting the 50th anniversary of Airbus as an aircraft manufacturer, the conceptual design is a hybrid-electric, turbo-propeller aircraft for regional air transportation.
Featuring curved wings and tails that look like a bird’s feathers, the design was made to look like a bird of prey soaring through the air effortlessly. Aiming to make a quieter and more eco-friendly aircraft, the blended wing-to-fuselage joint is made to make the Airbus concept look like a falcon soaring in the air.
Unveiled by Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, the design mimics the efficient mechanics of a bird and as a concept can carry up to 80 passengers. Although it is just a spec that won’t be built, it would burn 30%-50% less fuel than comparable aircraft and will be used as a tool for inspiration for future plane concepts.