If it seems like helicopter design hasn’t changed much over the past few decades, that’s not an accident.
Helicopters are very complex machines that require specific learned skills to pilot and maintain, let alone build. Once a basic design that worked came along, there has been little incentive to stray from it.
But now Bell Helicopter seems to be creating winds of change. Over the past six months, their team of engineers and designers has been working on a conceptual design for the company’s Bell FCX-001 model, which uses emerging technology to simplify basic operation and maximize passenger comfort.
For example, the FCX-001’s hybrid propulsion system and anti-torque system make this helicopter safer and quieter, and the advanced flight deck eases the pilot’s workload.
It may be the business commute of the future: Passengers will have individualized augmented-reality systems in the cabin, through which they can host video conferences, share documents, or just watch a movie.
For more information on the FCX-001 as it develops, check out Bell’s website.
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