Vertical Divider
2018 OLEDs World Summit-Boeing
October 08, 2018
Chris Beckman, Boeing Lead Lighting Engineer and Designated Expert for Photobiology gave an astonishing talk on how Boeing could use OLED displays and lighting to customize their cabins. Chris explained that the airplane industry is undergoing a major transition from one-size fits all to more customized designs. They are looking at new planes, new propulsion and configurations.
Figure 1: Boeing’s Vision of Passenger Cabin
October 08, 2018
Chris Beckman, Boeing Lead Lighting Engineer and Designated Expert for Photobiology gave an astonishing talk on how Boeing could use OLED displays and lighting to customize their cabins. Chris explained that the airplane industry is undergoing a major transition from one-size fits all to more customized designs. They are looking at new planes, new propulsion and configurations.
- Boeing and JetBlue invested in an electric-jet startup that could revolutionize air travel –Apr 2017.
- Boeing announced purchase of cutting-edge aerospace company Aurora Flight Sciences –Nov 2017
- Hybrid (electric) propulsion designed to deliver 80% lower emissions than comparable traditional aircraft. Boasting as much as a 50% increase in fuel efficiency
- 96% of regional trips are on the ground today-efficiency of large engines Opens up regional market in addition to long range trips (>500 miles) 2-4x faster; on schedule
- Lower fares -- 20,000 regional airports
Figure 1: Boeing’s Vision of Passenger Cabin
Source:Boeing
With all these initiatives, they value low power, thin format factors, strong image performance and flexibility.
Their current targets, include 1) Increased production rate and vertical integration, 2) growth of new interior technologies, 3) Increase in fuel and electrical system efficiency. Longer term they want to design aircraft to be future proof and allow airplanes to adopt new technology. He believes that thin, flexible, low power OLEDs meet much of the current and future requirements. They want to
- Manage illumination within the cabin so as to create spaciousness.
- Blend illumination in the space so that it is not overtly noticeable
- Integrate illumination with the interior architecture
- Provide indirect illumination and diffused direct lighting that could be smart programmable with digital content
Figure 2: Diffused Indirect Light in Existing 787
Source: Boeing
He also showed existing cabin moon lighting and hypothesized that OLEDs would be able to digitally create all sorts of dynamic content for theceilings Ceiling panels are structural members and support various equipment like 0² bottles, speakers,etc.
Figure 3: Moon Lighting in 787 Cabin (Left:787 All Nippon Air / Right: 787 Qatar Airways)
He also showed existing cabin moon lighting and hypothesized that OLEDs would be able to digitally create all sorts of dynamic content for theceilings Ceiling panels are structural members and support various equipment like 0² bottles, speakers,etc.
Figure 3: Moon Lighting in 787 Cabin (Left:787 All Nippon Air / Right: 787 Qatar Airways)
The statements contained herein are based on good faith assumptions are to be used for general information purposes only. These statements do not constitute an offer, promise, warranty or guarantee of performance.
Source:Boeing
He also presented how OLED displays could be used in setbacks.
Figure 4: Seatbacks with OLED Displays
Source:Boeing
He also presented how OLED displays could be used in setbacks.
Figure 4: Seatbacks with OLED Displays
Source:Boeing
OLEDs could also be used to implement window-less aircraft, which would reduce drag and weight. Large transport aircraft manufacturing focus on minimizing production complexity and speed by eliminating windows. Part counts could be reduced part by infusing OLED panel to (replace) interior panel.
Commercial airline operators see increased aerodynamics and fuel efficiency offering higher profits. OLED panels could improve the flight experience -attract more travelers, while capturing new digital advertising revenue. Other benefits include increasing aerodynamic by the smooth exteriors, subsequently reduce gas and CO2
Perhaps the most interesting is that OLED panel price is not an issue for aerospace applications today.
Figure 5: Boeing’s Vision Windowless Passenger Cabin
OLEDs could also be used to implement window-less aircraft, which would reduce drag and weight. Large transport aircraft manufacturing focus on minimizing production complexity and speed by eliminating windows. Part counts could be reduced part by infusing OLED panel to (replace) interior panel.
Commercial airline operators see increased aerodynamics and fuel efficiency offering higher profits. OLED panels could improve the flight experience -attract more travelers, while capturing new digital advertising revenue. Other benefits include increasing aerodynamic by the smooth exteriors, subsequently reduce gas and CO2
Perhaps the most interesting is that OLED panel price is not an issue for aerospace applications today.
Figure 5: Boeing’s Vision Windowless Passenger Cabin
Source:Boeing
Finally, Chris described the market opportunity
Finally, Chris described the market opportunity
- Market size -- More than 800 of these incredibly complex machines in 2018. Yet, this pales in comparison to the numbers in phone mobility and televisions
- Product longevity -- 20 years for an airplane, interiors products are around 10 years
- Supplier relationships -- Boeing contracts to supply base; design may be done by one of Boeing’s suppliers and purchasing is done by the supplier
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