[imagesurce:windspeedtech]

A private aerospace engineering firm, Windspeed Technologies, has designed a glass pod with a pair of seats inside that can be fitted on existing commercial aircraft to provide passengers with a 360-degree view during flight.

The design is still in the concept phase, but thanks to some pretty AI visuals we are given a glance at what must surely be the best way to fly.

Needless to say, there are a few engineering challenges to this design, such as the space this will take up as well as the predicted drag this will place on the aeroplane’s speed and fuel efficiency, but this looks way to cool to be bogged down by minor issues like this. Just do it.

The ‘SkyDeck‘ is a patented system designed to provide “an exhilarating view of the aircraft’s external environment while in flight, from a safe semi-external location”. The plan is to up the ante when it comes to in-flight entertainment for VIP aircraft owners and the airline industry in general.

The SkyDeck can be fitted on a wide range of aircraft, from large commercial jets to smaller private jets. In-flight entertainment options haven’t changed much over the years, with this novel idea intended to “create a product that would deliver a greater level of entertainment to alleviate the boredom associated with long trips”.

Windspeed Technologies’ initial concern was that the aircraft’s tail performance might be hampered by the bubble, but according to recent studies, using a teardrop canopy shape alleviates this risk. Also, because the SkyDeck is normally positioned towards the back of the aircraft, any increased fuel use due to added drag will be minimal to non-existent.

 

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The viewing deck is designed to withstand all standard flight conditions, including birdstrikes, and the canopy is made of similar materials as those that are used to build the canopies of supersonic fighter jets. And if you’re worried about getting fried from being so close to the sun, a specialised UV-protection coating ensures that you will not get a 3rd-degree tan.

Although this is going to be a hard sell to most airlines, we would love to see this on aeroplanes one day. Can you imagine sitting inside the SkyDeck during a stormy, turbulent flight? Bucketlist vibes.

[source:windspeedtech]