Airbus mimics nature with the concept aircraft "Bird of Prey"

RAF FAIRFORD, ENGLAND – Airbus unveiled Friday a concept aircraft with flared fenders and an extended tail inspired by the feathers of an eagle who is experimenting with a "biomimicry" technology that could eventually lead to quieter landings and to less pollution.

The British subsidiary of the European aircraft manufacturer seeks to captivate the imagination of future engineers by presenting a model of the raptor airliner during a military air show in England.

The propeller plane would have individually controlled "feathers" on the wingtips to provide what Airbus calls "active flight control" used by an eagle or hawk.

It is also evident that the absence of a traditional vertical tail rests on a wedge-shaped split tail to reduce drag.

The regional aircraft could carry up to 80 pbadengers up to 1,500 kilometers and consume 30 to 50 percent less fuel than current aircraft, Airbus said.

Secretary of Commerce Liam Fox announced at the opening of the presentation to military leaders and curious visitors of the Royal International Air Tattoo that he had emphasized Britain's technical ability and its appeal as a place of investment.

Airbus said its concept aircraft would have a geodesic or curved fuselage in a return to the contours of the Wellington bomber designed by British aeronautical designer Barnes Wallis.

This aircraft was built in Broughton Wales from the 1930s to keep it beyond the reach of German bombers.

Airbus now uses the same site to produce wings for more than 800 airliners a year. But he warned that the plant would face competition from European nations such as Germany or others like South Korea for future generations, as a result of Britain's decision to leave the country. European Union. Brexit supporters are skeptical, Airbus would take such a step given the British experience in wing making.