Fuel-Saving Flying Wings

With the MAVERICK aircraft prototype, Airbus is attempting to answer consumer demand for better environmental performance. The model is two meters long, 3.2 meters wide, with a surface area of 2.25 square meters.

The MAVERICK aircraft (where MAVERICK stands for Model Aircraft for Validation and Experimentation of Robust Innovative Controls) boasts a "blended wing body." This design allows for the aircraft to potentially burn up to 20 percent less fuel than other planes of its size. This is considered to be a "game-changer" and the company is planning to "push the technology to the limit," ultimately creating a more eco-conscious future.

Other projects by Airbus include an autonomous air taxi and the E-Fan X hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft.