This glass-enclosed SkyDeck on top of the plane would give you a 360-degree view
When you imagine having the window seat on the plane, you picture yourself climbing over two other passengers' laps, trying to reach your seat without brushing your back pockets against either one of their faces. But a new concept called SkyDeck would not only eliminate the possibility for you to potentially traumatize a stranger, it would also give you a 360 degree view of the horizon — from an enclosed bubble on top of the plane.
SkyDeck, designed by Windspeed Technologies, has been described as an "experiential in-flight entertainment system" that could be installed on either commercial aircraft or executive jets. The teardrop-shaped viewing bubble could be accessed by either an elevator or a short staircase, and either one or two passengers at a time could be accommodated on the rotating platform. On private jets, it would be the ultimate status symbol, but on a passenger plane, Windspeed imagines that it could be another moneymaker, as passengers could (and probably would) pay for the experience.
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According to Mashable, the cost to install SkyDeck on an existing aircraft would range from $8 million to $25 million, depending on the size of the plane and which options were included in the installation. That gigantic price tag could be why, as of this writing, no one has placed an order for the product.
Windspeed has done its homework, though, designing the SkyDeck's shape and location to minimize any additional drag on the aircraft. A teardrop shape placed near the tail of the plane seems to be the best combination, although the company does admit that it would add a slight amount of weight to the plane, decreasing its fuel efficiency. But Windspeed CEO (and SkyDeck inventor) Shakil Hussain told Mashable that the company has been contacted by Boeing and Airbus.
Until then, you'll just have to open your windowshade a little wider and wonder where you could find a $8 million dollars. Oh, and a private plane.