Mandate
To design the exterior and interior of a 100% electric vertical take-off aircraft intended for organ transport.
Objectives
Every year, the lack of available organs and their accessibility results in thousands of deaths. Unither Bioelectronics, a division of Unither Therapeutics, an incredible visionary Maryland-based company led by Martine Rothblatt, aims to produce an unlimited supply of transplantable organs from xenotransplantation. In order to develop a vertical take-off electric aircraft capable of rapidly delivering genetically modified organs from their laboratory to urban transplant centers, Unither mandated a multidisciplinary team in which we teamed up with Zenith Altitude, Optis Engineering, CTA BRP and NGC Aerospace. Brio Innovation mission was to participate in the definition of the architecture, the ergonomic validations, the styling of the fairing, as well as the interior design of this environmentally friendly aircraft.
Services
- User study
- Competition study
- Trend study
- Gaps and opportunities identification
- Design vision
- Brainstorming
- Storyboards
- Product architecture
- Ergonomics
- Concept generation
- Class A surface modeling
- Photorealistic 3D rendering
- Animations
- Virtual reality experience (VR)
Approach
The stakes were high because this innovative and unique solution had to overcome major technical challenges. Within an ecosystem of experienced professionals, we offered all the advantages of our creative process and collaborative approach. We supported the team in the design of this electric aircraft by meeting pilots, understanding aviation standards, and analyzing the proposed technical innovations. We provided several functional and ergonomic architectural solutions, compatible with the severe aerodynamic requirements, essential to the achievement of this mission.
We designed the cockpit’s interior according to its hybrid vocation, combining the specific certification requirements for operating a helicopter and an aircraft. We created a unique visual, combining fluid aerodynamic shapes and angular cut lines, communicating performance and high technology. The aircraft styling symbolizes a warm satin white hand, carrying a shiny black egg with its precious content.
Results
Unither Bioelectronics' goal is to provide an unlimited organ supplies for patients waiting for transplants. One day, this aircraft will transport a pilot, a medical technician, and organs over a distance of 250 NM (463 km). The media coverage that this project has received, combined with our customer and our partner companies pride confirms the importance of pursuing our work towards missions that are as revolutionary as they are human.