Dazzling new airplane patent offers seats on top of aircraft
SkyDeck viewing dome —
U.S. aerospace tech company Windspeed has filed a patent for aircraft passenger seats that offer a view from the top of a plane.
Courtesy Windspeed
Aerodynamic design —
Windspeed says its design, though yet to undergo full testing, will not interfere with the aircraft's handling. The fighter-jet strength canopy will be able to withstand bird strikes.
Courtesy Windspeed
Elevator option —
One design gives passengers access to the SkyDeck via an elevator. Windspeed says it could be a premium offering on executive jets or a pay-per-view option on commercial aircraft.
Courtesy Windspeed
Stairway to the heavens —
Another design employs a drop-down staircase to access the viewing seats. Windspeed says smaller aircraft could be fitted with single SkyDeck seats.
Courtesy Windspeed
360-degree view —
Once in the seats, passengers can use controls to rotate themselves through 360 degrees, potentially giving them better views than the pilot.
Courtesy Windspeed
Inflight entertainment —
Windspeed says its concept could offer an alternative to current inflight entertainment to alleviate boredom on long-haul flights.
