Airbus unveils 'Bird of Prey' concept plane in the UK

The engineers at Airbus can never be accused of not thinking outside of the box, as the aircraft manufacturer unveiled the "Bird of Prey" concept plane in the UK.

The design is "inspired by efficient mechanics of a bird, it has wing and tail structures that mimic those of a bird of prey, while featuring individually controlled feathers that provide active flight control". It would be a hybrid-electric, turbo-propeller aircraft for regional air transportation.

The "Bird of Prey" was unveiled at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show on Friday.

There is a caveat though - the concept is just that, a concept.

Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus, said it is hoped it will inspire young people, and "create a 'wow' factor that will help them consider an exciting career in the crucially-important aerospace sector".

"One of the priorities for the entire industry is how to make aviation more sustainable – making flying cleaner, greener and quieter than ever before. We know from our work on the A350 XWB passenger jet that through biomimicry, nature has some of the best lessons we can learn about design," said Aston.

"Who can't help but be inspired by such a creation?"

Stuff.co.nz

See also: Five ideas from the airline industry that will never take off