Posted on 06/15/2018 11:37:45 AM PDT by Red Badger
EMIRATES could soon launch a new aircraft without windows.
AIRLINE: This will make aircrafts faster and lighter
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One of the best things about flying is looking at the views out the window – but that could soon change.
The Dubai-based airline announced plans to build planes with virtual windows.
This means when passengers look outside they can only see a projection instead of clouds or spectacular skylines.
Emirates unveiled the designs for a new first class suite, which feature fibre optic cameras that beam an image of outside onto the window.
Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates, told BBC: “The quality of the imagery is so good, it's better than with the natural eye. [It’s] as if you were in the window seat.
“So can the new generation of aircraft be windowless with this technology? In my view there’s no reason why not.
“The aircraft are lighter, the aircraft could fly faster, they'll burn far less fuel and fly higher.”
According to Sir Tim, another benefit is that planes will be safer if the designs come into use.
As well as this, getting rid of windows would make planes more solid, getting rid of “structural weaknesses”.
This comes after a Southwest plane was forced to make an emergency landing which “sucked out” a female passenger.
The engine explosion caused parts to fly and one piece struck a window in row 17, causing the material to shatter.
Jennifer Riordan, 43, died after suffering serious head injuries during the incident back in April.
I flew a lot at night, so looking out the window was kinda useless...................
You could substitute a video feed for the view out the window.
In fact, to really freak people out, you could make the entire upper fuselage a big video panel with a live view outside the aircraft.
You could simulate the experience of flying as if there were no upper half of the fuselage.
That would be freaky.
“Sure, the plane indeed would be lighter, and could fly faster, but the reality is more likely that the plane will be lighter, be windowless, and fly at the exact same current speeds to further reduce fuel consumption and increase profits.”
The speed of sound (Mach 1.0) at 35,000 ft is about 660 mph. I think Emirates flies A380’s on many of their long haul flights. The A380 service ceiling is 43,000 ft, cruise speed is 587 mph/mach 0.89. So, the plane is already bumping against max performance for a sub-sonic aircraft....
Then there’s the muzzy airline. How about combining the two?
All the displays and associated electronics and computers would weigh more than the windows...................
Hey, I saw some cool lightning storms. :)
What would be really freaky would be to play footage of a plane crash
Just hook them all up to a propofil drip.
Wake them up when they get to their destination.
Hack the display and show CGI of a fleet of flying saucers.
Or an attack by fighters or UFOs.
Could be an ‘immersive’ experience.
I could see flights to Vegas having it standard. Talk about inflight entertainment.
I fly about once a month and I always get the aisle seat. Rarely if ever look out the window except when landing so I know when to expect the jolt. I hate surprises.
Windowless plane? Should be interesting for the pilots to fly...
Then you can stack them in like cordwood................
I would close the shade...............
There are no pilots behind the locked cockpit doors. Haven’t been for years.
It will be great for hijacking. Hijackers, or even a rogue pilot, could fly to a different destination without passengers knowing.
And can’t wait for the virtual window screens to start in with advertising.
On long boring flights, being able to look out the window as the flight progresses helps to get me through the flight.
Especially when you have interesting terrain below you, like the Rockies, Cascades, and when flying to and from Alaska the majestic Wrangell-St. Elias, and Chugach ranges.
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