It's a question every frequent flier regularly faces -- to window seat, or not to window seat? It may not be a question for much longer if a new, futuristic plane concept created by Technicon Design ever becomes a reality. That's because the plane doesn't have any windows at all, but that wouldn't stop the futuristic aircraft from delivering some stellar views to its private passengers.
Called the IXION, the plane wouldn't offer traditional small, round windows for passengers to gaze out of. Instead, the entire cabin would be comprised of a series of panoramic screens. Technicon says that cameras fixed on the wings of the aircraft outside would then project the images of the scenery below the plane onto the screens that made up the cabin, allowing for nearly uninhibited views of the cityscapes and natural vistas below.
If you aren't interesting in viewing your current location, the technology could also be loaded with movies, stock footage and pictures of other sites for the viewing pleasure of passengers. Screens could also be used for video conferences en route to important business destinations and more.
In addition to looking incredibly sleek and offering the best view available at 40,000 feet, the IXION would also be more fuel efficient than a private plane of comparable size. That's because removing cabin windows would reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, which would in turn reduce the plane's overall fuel consumption. Technicon also says the plane would also require less maintenance that comparable aircrafts.
If this all sounds too good to be true, that's because it technically is. Technicon Design simply designed the concept for the plane -- it isn't actually being created for the real world. Technicon says the plane could be possible though, using "existing or very near future technology." Technicon design director Gareth Davies says the objective of the project was to to design something credible and to create discussion.
"The ethos of the project is simple, to challenge current thinking, and propose something a little different but not just a fantasy," Davies said in a press release.
If the plane ever did become reality, it would likely only be available to the richest of the rich. Thankfully, you can fully explore the inside of the plane in a video tour below for free. Too bad it looks like we may all still be fighting for the window seat for just a while longer.
IXION Windowless Jet Concept from Technicon Design - France on Vimeo.
