Originally Posted by
Mike Jenvey
Hopefully not! However, as technology races ahead, I'm sure it will happen eventually..... UAVs are doing highly complex taskings/missions with remote operators, so the basic parameters are already in existence.
NASA (I think) did a trial quite some while ago, using remote cameras/enhanced vision systems so that the pilots could sit in the cabin of the aircraft. The theory was that the nose/windows of a passenger aircraft create a lot of drag; put the pilots within the main body of the aircraft & a needle nose could be used, much more range for the same fuel load.
The trial was successful (they kept safety pilots in the flight deck just in case!), but the pyschologists decided that pax would not accept seeing pilots in a little booth next to seat 44A!!!
Does needle nose actually help?
Concorde and Tu-144 have needle noses. In cruise (and even then there are cockpit windows); they lower noses for landings and takeoffs. Boeing 2707 planned needle nose as well - moving nose. Boeing wanted to install cameras and screens in 2707 cockpit to replace views hindered by needle nose, but this was not allowed.
For a high subsonic airliner, what would an optimized nose be like?