The future of aviation could very well be supersonic if the Sky OV concept comes to fruition. Renowned Barcelona-based designer Oscar Viñals of OVI’s Design has recently unveiled an ambitious concept for a supersonic plane, pushing the boundaries of aeronautical design. The cutting-edge Sky OV, featuring disruptive technologies and an innovative design, encapsulates a vision of future aircraft that values speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Its sleek silhouette echoes that of a fighter jet, complete with four aerodynamic wings that ensure greater in-flight performance while folding up to conserve hangar space when grounded.
The technological wizardry doesn’t stop at the design. The Sky OV incorporates bladeless turbojet engines borrowed from design principles of Dyson's motor for the all-electric Airbus A320E. The engines, powered by a "Fluidic Propulsion Air Multiplier" (FPAM) system, produce a consistent stream of air, eliminating the need for exposed blades. Moreover, these engines leverage pulse detonation that uses controlled explosions to create thrust—aptly suited for high velocities and capable of pushing the aircraft to four or five times the speed of sound. The Sky OV is expected to cruise at 913 mph (Mach 1.2) with a maximum speed of 1,141 mph (Mach 1.5).
However, speed doesn’t translate to sacrificing capacity or comfort. The Sky OV promises to accommodate 200 passengers besides two pilots, with no compromise on luxury. The aircraft also takes a progressive step towards sustainability, running on a mix of hydrogen fuel and electric power to facilitate zero-emission flights. Additionally, the inclusion of “solar dots” in the design indicates a potential for harnessing solar energy, further propelling the aircraft towards a climate-friendly future. As the field of supersonic flight continues to attract attention and investment, all eyes are on concepts like the Sky OV to revolutionize air travel.
📷: OSCAR VIÑALS
