The Maverick project, developed by Rosen Aviation, is a concept that puts technology at the heart of its design. The concept uses the latest sensor technology to create a cabin that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. Familiar high-end features like wireless charging and touchscreen control panels are accompanied by less common components such as huge OLED displays and "virtual" buttons.
These buttons, known as smart sensors, were developed by Rosen Aviation. Instead of cumbersome old-fashioned mechanical switches, the Maverick cabin uses integrated surfaces with backlit control indicators. Working through microperforated substrates, the controls are activated at a distance and provide tactile feedback to the user.
Taking it a step further, Rosen Aviation is also developing fully holographic keyboards for cabin operation. The menu will also be holographic, minimizing the number of touch points and reducing the likelihood of surface contamination. The company also talked about integrating classic switches into special sensors so that these smart surfaces can begin to predict user intent.
There are almost no windows in the cabin, which can cause a feeling of claustrophobia. However, Rosen Aviation overcomes this by using OLED displays to create virtual windows. These displays can display a real-time image of the outside world or be used for business presentations, flight information, or even in-flight entertainment.
Rosen’s senior vice president of strategy, Lee Clarke, and vice president of product development, Darrell Finneman, noted the benefits that OLED brings:
“Of the many benefits offered by OLED, two of the main points that open up endless possibilities are transparency and flexibility.” With these new features, virtual windows and skylights have become possible in a variety of form factors, whether it’s a flexible display tied to outdoor cameras or a transparent display showing key flight information, combined with traditional windows.
Executives also noted the possibility of integrating augmented reality into these alternative windows. Things like a map of the starry sky pointing to nocturnal constellations as they pass a window, or an interactive tape showing interesting objects on the ground below is a moving map concept that didn't exist before. In addition to the large displays on the cabin walls, Maverick is equipped with personal rotary seat displays so that every passenger can enjoy on-board entertainment of their choice.
