By Oliver Smith
Designs for a futuristic aircraft seat aimed at gaming fanatics have been unveiled in Germany this week.
A prototype of the "NFW (
Not for Wimps)" concept seat is currently on display at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
The design features a large arc made from lightweight materials, including composite Kevlar and carbon fibre, that rises from the top of a "bucket" seat, extends above the passenger, and holds a state-of-the-art monitor. The gaming station would also work as a "
docking station", allowing passengers to use their own devices.
The seat was created by the British manufacturers Contour Aerospace Ltd and Factorydesign and is expected to appeal to young technophiles.
"
NFW is designed to appeal to customers who would rather spend their time on long-haul flights locked in a gaming or viewing experience rather than dropping off to sleep," said Adam White, director of Factorydesign.
"
I can see certain, more adventurous airlines dividing off a part of the J class cabin (business class) and rolling out a couple of rows of these seats."
He added that the lightweight design would also provide considerable fuel savings for the airline.
Bob Lovell, Contour's technical sales directory, said: "People can't place an immediate order for the NFW but we are hoping to stimulate much debate with the airlines at the Expo.
"
We want to know whether such radical thinking is viable."
The Aircraft Interiors Expo (
Aircraft Interiors Expo Hamburg 2011) takes place in Hamburg from April 5-7.
Last year's event saw the unveiling of the controversial Skyrider "
saddle seat", designed to squeeze more passengers into economy class cabins. It followed suggestions by Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, that the airline might introduce "vertical seating" – a proposal scuppered by European aviation authorities.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand launched its new economy "
Skycouch" on Saturday, on a flight from London to Los Angeles. The "
Skycouch" is a row of three seats that can be flattened to create "a lie-flat, flexible space" aimed at couples and young families.
Source: Telegraph