European manufacturer Airbus has created a concept aircraft inspired by the natural features of eagles, hawks and other aerial predators. The "Bird of Prey" concept was unveiled by Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show on Friday.
Fox tweeted his support for the project alongside a video of the "Bird of Prey," which has a set of feathers on the tail and each wing tip.
The theoretical design is for a hybrid-electric, turbo-propeller aircraft, according to a statement on the Airbus website.
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," the statement reads.
The aircraft would be capable of carrying up to 80 passengers and would burn 30%-50% less fuel than comparable aircraft in operation today.
While the aircraft won't be built, the aim of the project is to motivate the next generation of aeronautical engineers, according to Martin Aston, a senior manager at Airbus.
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