Oscar Viñals, the visionary behind OVI’s Design, is determined to transform the realm of sci-fi fantasies into tangible aviation reality. Renowned for his disruptive concepts, the Barcelona-based designer has recently unveiled the Sky OV concept—an extraordinary supersonic aircraft that stands at the forefront of aeronautical innovation, promising advancements in speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
The Sky OV’s design features a sleek arrow-shaped silhouette reminiscent of a fighter jet, enhanced by four aerodynamic wings facilitating seamless navigation through the skies. These wings are designed to fold up when not in use, optimizing hangar space and reflecting the aircraft’s commitment to efficiency.
What sets the Sky OV apart is its integration of bladeless turbojet engines, inspired by Dyson’s motor technology utilized in the all-electric Airbus A320E. Dyson’s engine employs a “Fluidic Propulsion Air Multiplier” (FPAM) system, accelerating air consistently without exposed blades. The Sky OV’s engines build upon this technology, incorporating pulse detonation and controlled explosions to generate thrust. Viñals asserts that detonation engines offer superior efficiency at high velocities, potentially propelling the aircraft to speeds four to five times that of sound. Additionally, these engines boast enhanced fuel efficiency, utilizing 50 percent less fuel than conventional turbojets. Compared to turbofans or turboprops, they are also lighter and mechanically simpler, presenting clear advantages in aviation.
The Sky OV’s propulsion system embraces a blend of hydrogen fuel and electric power, marking a significant stride toward true zero-emission flight. In an added eco-friendly touch, the concept incorporates “solar dots” on the ceiling, harnessing solar energy to generate additional electric power.
With a length just exceeding 149 feet, the Sky OV has a capacity for up to 200 passengers and two crew members. Although interior renders are not provided, Viñals assures that passengers will experience optimal comfort, surrounded by a cabin equipped with “all kinds of commodities and luxury devices.”
While opinions on the feasibility of supersonic flying remain divided among industry experts, the pursuit of this technology continues. Companies such as Boom Supersonic, Spike Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin are actively engaged in developing supersonic jets. Viñals himself has conceptualized other supersonic aircraft, including a jet with the potential to traverse from New York City to London in a mere 80 minutes—an idea that captivates the collective imagination and fuels hopes for its realization in the future.
