It would reduce fuel burn and harmful emissions per passenger mile by almost a third in comparison to today's aircraft. Other potential benefits of the BWB include increased aerodynamic performance, lower operating cost and reduced community noise levels. The issues of high speed aerodynamics, propulsion integration and noncircular pressurized cabins have yet to be addressed by today's aircraft designers. Many challenges exist that will involve complex solutions requiring a multidisciplinary design approach. Flying Wing Challenges Cabin pressurization is one of several design challenges.
Current airliners have a cigar-shaped fuselage ideal for maintaining cabin pressurization.
The BWB, however, has a unique shape that requires a novel approach to satisfy pressurization and structural needs. Internal layout features double deck seating with videomonitors in the back of each seat. Shown here is the 529-seat upper deck. These ribs separate the interior into ten passenger bays. Advanced composite material will be required to minimize the amount of structure needed to withstand the pressurization loads and deflections in the skins.