BWB aeroplanes are cutting-edge concepts where there is no clear divide between the wings and the main body of the aeroplane, unlike current passenger aeroplanes which are essentially long tubes with two wings. Participants in these trials will be some of the first people to experience what the interiors of these ‘planes of the future’ will be like.
This study will help to improve aeroplane evacuations and provide the aviation industry with valuable information about how people behave when evacuating these novel new concept aeroplanes.
A series of trials are planned, requiring the participation of over 1500 volunteers between the ages of 18-65 years.
Experts from the University of Greenwich will be designing the trials, as well as analysing the data. As part of the design process, the trials have been simulated using Greenwich’s own aircraft evacuation simulation software, airEXODUS, and so the in-person trials will also be used to further validate the predictions of that software.
For the full-scale evacuation trials, a like-for-like mock-up of the BWB cabin interior is being constructed by Cranfield University at their Bedfordshire campus. Cranfield University is also managing the recruitment of the volunteers.
During the trials, participants will board the BWB mock-up, receive a pre-flight safety briefing from cabin crew and then at an unspecified time there will be an instruction to evacuate due to an emergency. Everyone will be asked to quickly but safely make their way to an exit.
Further details for volunteers to consider are:
- The BWB cabin mock-up will be stationary at all times and is ground-based. There are no stairs to board or disembark.
- Audio will be used in the cabin to simulate engines starting, taxiing and take-off.
- Smoke will not be used in the cabin to simulate and emergency.
- Emergency evacuation slides will not be used.
- Each evacuation trial will involve a large number of people, so volunteers must be comfortable in crowded places.
- Volunteers behaviour in the cabin will be recorded by overhead cameras.
- Each participant will be involved in three evacuation trials during the day.
After exiting the BWB mock-up, participants will complete a questionnaire about the choices they made during evacuation. Experts from the University of Greenwich will then analyse that information to help the aviation industry develop its aircraft designs and safety protocols.
Professor Ed Galea, leading the University of Greenwich side of the project said,
‘BWB aircraft are an exciting concept for the future of passenger flight. There are several projects around the world pursuing this concept, driven by its potential to deliver significant aerodynamic efficiencies that will help in reducing fuel burn and the aviation industry’s contribution to global warming. However, a major challenge facing BWB concepts, given their cavernous interiors, is whether it is possible to safely evacuate everyone in less than 90 seconds, as required by international aviation safety regulations. Our advanced evacuation modelling using the airEXODUS software suggests that, with an appropriately designed cabin interior and evacuation procedures, it may be possible. This project will test the concept further with full-scale evacuation trials. It is an exciting opportunity for members of the public to contribute to the future of passenger aviation’
The trials are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays between February 4-21, 2025. They will take place on Cranfield University campus in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
If you’d like to take part in the trials, or want more information, please visit the main evacuation trials web page.
