As I understand it, rear facing seats do have the advantage of being safer than forward facing seats for the pax in the event of an incident. Given proper structural design of course.
I believe the issue with them, or all airliners would have them already, is that the loads are placed higher into the back of the seat, therefore requiring a stiffer structure to resist the forces in the event of a sudden deceleration. {Forward facing seats put the loads into the seat at seatbelt level.} Which therefore requires a stronger floor, therefore a bit more weight, therefore increased cost of fuel per flight, therefore increasing the operational costs of the aircraft ...
I'm not sure how much of an impact this would have in terms of a relatively short haul aircraft like the Turboliner, but it would be a consideration. Economics vs. innovation as always.
Keesje - interesting design. Hopefully I'll get a chance to fly in it or something like it someday.
