The Windowless Plane
Discover how our technologies will change the future of flight
The Future of Aerospace
Imagine a cabin where the windows are display screens, relaying a choice of views from around the aircraft. If you’re not sitting in a window seat, your large seat-back display becomes your window on the world as well as a source of entertainment.
Supplement this with subtle cabin lighting from gently glowing walls and you create a unique travel environment. Screens that are ultra thin, very light and highly flexible are integrated with the fuselage or the seat backs with no unsightly, clumsy or heavy housings.
![Less plane weight equates to more savings Less plane weight equates to more savings](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=b8b458f6478167ee628c29953b00d2ca 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=da195a1248f902b2f0f2a23c3ae71a0f 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=a7db65b364913dc3682852000b504a68 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=796bf8bfc3c4fff8928b46ddc8210224 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=135a136e0a1404ce29d86696a16cc6da 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/weight-windowless-plane.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559215159&s=389ebdff73c16e6a8f1453af6aeaaa63 960w)
Less weight more savings
Weight is a constant issue on any aircraft. Over 80% of the fully laden weight of a commercial airliner is the aircraft itself and its fuel. For every 1% reduction in weight, the approximate fuel saving is 0.75%. If you save weight, you save fuel. And less fuel means less CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and lower operational cost… everyone wins.
![The windowless plane The windowless plane](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=5349389ee87de9998450bc3fbe424d31 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=6fd5e13b8a29609f9f151a0c2f38f855 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=51010d39f2d9db1df83d945203778d48 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=47de2585b63ac437d14572dd1050bf10 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=0c1ffcb5b076d43098f01395e92f777f 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217802&s=ea87da8f1e230c8d6338b44090b5559f 960w)
![The windowless plane The windowless plane](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=29f40e6cb861f9d04cb88111ba3db129 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=ae40ca572c9cf0c56114b8095431d52a 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=50deabd1d03a784d3ad8f8e878e9e8a2 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=8353c36c5897d7afb940d795dbd881df 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=4f8a566e10f7b141ab3e60e4441d3f71 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217795&s=54dee151c829896006e3c8811828f2ff 960w)
![The windowless plane The windowless plane](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=9a8c21351ccf7f3e6f4c9fb9ae9469dc 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=c8403f6a2134f60c7578de3d13cb3f62 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=6d9c051880c2ae427df31bdb24b1f5fc 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=50698ca3166c6d473fdb36e36dbf48ff 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=edecface949e6f1e50fa41fc59d6c7ee 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217806&s=261b0873f9140875d000c07ff9634bf4 960w)
Developing flexible OLED technologies for the aerospace industry
![Thin and Flexible Displays Thin and Flexible Displays](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/oled-flex.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559212162&s=5477e7d6ee37430419682c4a08d38c7d 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/oled-flex.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559212162&s=2aea22f75820adb2c7a7d187c3d86a87 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/oled-flex.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559212162&s=53780c6518bf2d1fc4a9dbd5bd4fe023 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/oled-flex.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559212162&s=379f1baf09ab94a0b6f07981a759a89b 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/oled-flex.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559212162&s=79f6d4908673d094535911a8302797c1 600w)
Thin and Flexible Displays
High quality, ultra thin and flexible displays that can be embedded into fuselage lining panels.
![Roll to Roll Lighting Roll to Roll Lighting](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/flexible-oled.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559221740&s=ac3680183af987525bde6215275debfa 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/flexible-oled.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559221740&s=972d3b188945e3aba8558091645ccd4d 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/flexible-oled.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559221740&s=738f47e121e00327465c358f6fff5f5b 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/flexible-oled.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559221740&s=08b6c49825cfd6aa391ff437b7a378bc 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/flexible-oled.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559221740&s=a66701e8eb402eb9459de641b174fd25 600w)
Roll to Roll Lighting
Cost effective roll to roll processes of lighting and display screens that can be incorporated into fuselage lining panels.
![Protective Coatings Protective Coatings](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/materials-fabric-02.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213788&s=27111a641eea954a404b77f00b3e8999 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/materials-fabric-02.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213788&s=56835f7c845f8c44cb086a8b7501acc2 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/materials-fabric-02.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213788&s=3a5724b41e049be139650e3b1a393e84 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/materials-fabric-02.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213788&s=e00a139dcfc3f1f190b16145cf105943 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/materials-fabric-02.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559213788&s=31bd309adce476e8b199be336e7ed235 600w)
Protective Coatings
Innovative protective coatings that ensure that these displays and lighting last for the service lifetime of the aircraft.
![Large Area Display Design Large Area Display Design](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-case-study.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216955&s=5df71a0d4ab1cbb887ac585275dab700 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-case-study.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216955&s=1bff26cd8041b5cba1fa4fefc50fe1ac 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-case-study.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216955&s=789b5764511341bccc76ddcb47526a0a 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-case-study.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216955&s=a2d4f069e0e97a81f791181a292031da 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-case-study.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216955&s=ae1e3bad21d3d1fa34c82b491501d76d 600w)
Large Area Display Design
Digital print systems that can provide highly detailed designs necessary for large area displays.
![Real time testing at manufacturing Real time testing at manufacturing](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/lace-line2.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214025&s=c91e3574d0fc1922e96e8d1588c18386 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/lace-line2.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214025&s=23133e66b66b9b20434e500486a14dc2 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/lace-line2.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214025&s=5ca1104e993e57d5ceb15ab991bd6367 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/lace-line2.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214025&s=dc4bc1579b50e583afdabfb14f1cfe9c 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/lace-line2.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559214025&s=cb403216358837e412005894eb41be3e 600w)
Real time testing at manufacturing
Real time, continuous testing systems that ensure that maximum yields are achieved in manufacturing components.
![Printed Wiring Printed Wiring](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-flexible-integrated-circuits.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216902&s=72b0e6eeb40cc3f5c02e0dd7cd616587 100w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-flexible-integrated-circuits.jpg?w=200&h=200&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216902&s=e495f5854f0fac919f65dec882a1f537 200w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-flexible-integrated-circuits.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216902&s=48b31f33acd2f8db5d87f255e228c5ca 400w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-flexible-integrated-circuits.jpg?w=300&h=300&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216902&s=6194d5de0680ea75cb5406d187964ed3 300w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/pragmatic-flexible-integrated-circuits.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559216902&s=4d5519b845871be9f92fa16835d8a58d 600w)
Printed Wiring
Lightweight printed wiring looms can provide multiple conductors for security.
![Diagram of cabin showing individual display panels seamlessly arranged along the cabin walls Diagram of cabin showing individual display panels seamlessly arranged along the cabin walls](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=919a844ffabbf63b5a926afe83b77280 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=f41fe2f205f4a6299b92f96044a940d2 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=6f7fb4081a47716111b7167acb45fa4a 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=2e1edc86e3ac9ff95e4b2e42104e0d90 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=2609e3d32d7538f0c38aabee7ea4113f 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-01.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222856&s=b9d0a3d4969fe2ca83c2ef9b2564ba86 960w)
How do we make this possible?
The entire inner surface of the fuselage — or selected sections — can be covered with thin high definition, flexible displays screens onto the fuselage: either directly, or onto modular lining panels that can be used to conceal cabin utilities. This ‘multi screen’ approach means that panels can be used either as displays or for lighting, depending upon the cabin seating layout and seat pitches. This arrangement also has advantages over a single long screen running the length of the fuselage as any display faults could result in the removal of the virtual windows and lighting from an entire side of the aircraft, where the electrical losses in the system would be significant. Another advantage in this arrangement is that the system offers more flexibility in correcting the displayed images for parallax; this will increase the sensation of looking out of a window, rather than looking at a projected image.
![Diagram of plane cross-section showing Display Panels and panoramic camera arrays. Diagram of plane cross-section showing Display Panels and panoramic camera arrays.](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=d2893081f54e52e9da65845185ac847b 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=6ab8758f21bfca851aef3b70b0f39a4e 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=f9bc3bf69957524b7e10cd530c997350 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=eec934ab6de68fad561d1aef6d2aa931 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=91007318ef6fead9f257627a15b2d4e4 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/diagram-windowless-plane-02.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559222852&s=0e149628c714e8896151200a1aa71d53 960w)
Internal tracking cameras could be used to project the image onto the screen from the point of view of the passenger- moving the image in accordance with the movements of the passenger’s head. Images would be relayed from a series of cameras mounted on the fuselage, potentially giving each display an uninterrupted view of the exterior (avoiding the wings and engines). Users in any seat will be able to select views from any side of the aircraft. It would not be necessary to reflect the actual view seen from a particular seat, so the cameras could be mounted in the most aerodynamically efficient positions on the aircraft. The lighting panels would allow the colour changes associated with sunrise and sunset to be controlled on long haul journeys, helping passengers to adjust to time zone differences.
![Diagram showing wide-angle panoramic camera arrays arranged along the fuselage provide uninterrupted 360 degree views. Diagram showing wide-angle panoramic camera arrays arranged along the fuselage provide uninterrupted 360 degree views.](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=6f384e52b9999865565541521de68363 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=4c791fbe259b91894e0d7a63fc0b823e 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=9e6c9c679c502471c6c8f7c8ae79cd35 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=cc7fc60412c1a006cf3df39d5d47a39d 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=9155bf5bbc3f3f2ec53b47a48b7ac2f1 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/cabin-windowless-plane-04.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1559217796&s=357ff7ed7a978f06ba2fd8e6c582152e 960w)