Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited and Design Q have unveiled the Airlander 10 passenger cabin, showcasing what’s possible in luxury expeditionary tourism when you Rethink the Skies.
Airlander 10’s remarkable passenger cabin opens up new possibilities by approaching air travel from a different perspective.
Passengers on Airlander will have luxurious private en-suite bedrooms and will be able to enjoy horizon-to-horizon views in the aircraft’s extensive Infinity Lounge. The Altitude Bar will offer drinks with the ultimate view, while 18 guests can enjoy fine dining in the skies.
Stephen McGlennan, CEO of HAV, comments that Airlander 10 is changing the way we think about air travel. "Airlander challenges people to rethink the skies – that’s the driving force behind everything we do," he says. "Air travel has become very much about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. What we’re offering is a way of making the journey a joy." Airlander 10 can take off and land from virtually any flat surface, eliminating the need for traditional infrastructure like ports or airports. This opens up opportunities for luxury expeditions to places existing transport can’t get to and offers the ultimate in transformative, experiential travel.
The new cabin design takes full advantage of Airlander’s unique characteristics to create an environment unlike anything available in aviation today. Design Q’s CEO Howard Guy adds: "We love doing different things. Our fantastic team of young designers relish the opportunity to do something no one’s done before, to imagine a new concept and then to get into the detailed design of what this space will be."
Airlander 10’s interior is unusually spacious – the cabin is larger than most single-aisle aircraft, such as the A320. This space allowed the team at Design Q to use their extensive experience of luxury spaces to create something full of unique features that will set new standards for excellence in air travel. Howard explains: "My team exploited the opportunity that Airlander 10 presents; we had a huge space to create an experience that makes no compromises. This is luxury like you’ve never known it – with the ability to go anywhere in the world."
The two companies have worked in partnership over the last year to develop the cabin design. Throughout the process, the team has been guided by engineering and regulatory demands. The cabin design has incorporated many considerations to ensure it is practical, feasible, and ready for the transition into production. It also presents numerous design details that are industry firsts. HAV and Design Q will continue to work together, with further announcements expected later this year.
Facts and Figures
- Three-day expedition with up to 19 passengers plus crew
- Can accommodate a variety of layouts including reception areas, on-board catering, and flexible seating options
- Current configuration includes en-suite cabins
- Full-height windows with horizon to horizon visibility
- 46m long cabin – larger than most single-aisle aircraft
- Ability to take off and land on virtually any flat surface without the need for infrastructure like runways or ports.
‘The World’s First Corporate Aviation Showroom’ was designed by Design Q in 2011 for Steve Varsano and his company ‘The Jet Business’, located at Hyde Park Corner in Belgravia, London.
The media’s reception to the project was outstanding, and The Jet Business was voted London’s Number Three retail experience following Harrods & Rolex.
With the very successful launch of the showroom in Belgravia, Design Q were invited to assist Mr. Varsano with his relocation to a larger showroom on the prestigious Park Lane in Mayfair, London. The aim was to create an even more spectacular, luxury experience to best the previous efforts.
The main feature of the brokerage has to be the 50ft long, wide body fuselage that was designed and built at our UK headquarters. It sits in a prime location, along the window frontage of the showroom and creates a focal point for passers-by, allowing them to view inside the jet interior.
The trading floor area has also doubled in size, featuring 10 flight deck inspired trading floor desks. They are upholstered in tan leather with contrast stitching and fitted with multiple screens. This zone is a technological paradise. There is undoubtedly no office space like this anywhere in the world.
Comlux America has teamed up with Design Q to develop an interior design and floorplan concept for the next generation narrow body interiors; specifically the Airbus ACJ neo and the BBJ MAX 8 aircraft.
Comlux America’s goal in this initiative has been to obtain designer perspectives and concepts to capture the different cultures, styles and tastes of potential VIP customers. Specifically, Design Q was required to develop unique rendering concepts for the Neo and MAX 8, each with unique materials, styles and concepts.
“This is truly a mutually benefiting relationship, and something that has never been done before in our industry,” stated Scott Meyer CEO, Comlux America. “Comlux has a true admiration for all our industry designers and we were lucky enough to have these few key designers partner with us on this unique idea for next generation aircraft,” continued Meyer.
Design Q CEO Howard Guy said “Design Q is excited about the partnership with Comlux on their Airbus ACJ neo and the BBJ MAX 8 aircraft programs. With Comlux’s capabilities and Design Q’s vision of the best customer experience, together we can lift the design signature of an aircraft to suit the exact needs of each VIP customer.” He added: “Design Q focus on invention and excellence so it will be great to see some revolution and surprise in these great aircraft! “
Continuing our relationship with Spyker cars, we were happily able to assist them with this project, with a very quick turnaround from concept to realisation.
The paint sample models made their debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show alongside the New Preliator Supercar with the purpose of showcasing their customisation options to potential customers.
The paint sample model was designed in CAD (Alias) to look like the car is emerging from a bespoke liquid pool of colour that a customer could paint their new Preliator. It was prototyped, then vac formed, and finally painted in a vast selection of colours.
* Geneva Motor Show launch images courtesy of Spyker Cars
Aerion, the leader in supersonic technology is currently working with INAIRVATION to develop their innovative cabin interiors for the AS2 supersonic business jet, as well as manage their certification and production. Design Q is INAIRVATION's preferred partner for interior design. INAIRVATION is the first provider to offer completely integrated business jet cabin solutions.
Design Q is a specialist in automotive and aviation design, and won acclaim in 2014 for a full scale Global 7000 mockup created for Bombardier. “The opportunity to participate in the design of a supersonic business jet thrills our whole organization,” said von Schroeter. “It is the kind of technologic and aesthetic challenge for which INAIRVATION was created. We are brimming with ideas for making the AS2 cabin the most exciting and desirable interior environment in business aviation.”
Already the INAIRVATION team has built a full scale engineering mockup of the AS2 interior at Design Q’s studio in Redditch, England. Aerion and INAIRVATION are using the mockup to assess possible configurations for cockpit and cabin. “The mockup provides an experience that is not possible looking at a 3D model on a computer,” said Nichols. “Stepping inside was instant confirmation that we would be able to offer the customer not only an incredibly fast airplane, but the ultimate passenger experience.”
Working with INAIRVATION, Design Q designed cabin upgrades for the Bombardier (Global/Challenger) and Gulfstream (G450/G550) jets. The images shown here represent the Bombardier Global Retrofit.
These updates are pre-engineered for quick installation during heavy maintenance checks. They add real value to a preowned aircraft by replacing existing CMS/IFE with a complete nice HD system. The updated systems are beautifully integrated within new ergonomic sideledges and modification kits that have a distinctive aesthetic, combining both function and form.
The Bombardier Global 7000 is Design Q’s largest and most successful project to date. The jet will join Bombardier’s prolific fleet and will boast a range of 7300 nautical miles with an interior offering total luxury and refinement. This was the most ambitious marketing prototype Bombardier had ever attempted. Bombardier provided a concept interior and Design Q engineered and manufactured the Mockup. Design Q’s level of detail and craftsmanship stunned anyone invited on board. The interior has a contemporary design language, incorporating new materials gracing all the living space. It maps a landscape of polished and brushed metals, stone work tops, hardwood floors, satin and gloss wood veneers with silk carpets.
BAE Systems and Design Q developed a series of concepts that analysed the market requirements and tailored four very different designs to suit potential customers. The same jet was used for all four proposals and clearly shows how design can be flexible and tailored to meet in individual requirements.
The Maserati 4200Q is a bespoke design created by Design Q for an individual customer. He researched design studios around the world and came across a team who were a lot closer than he expected. He felt the design of his Maserati 4200 didn't live up to the cars performance and sought to remedy this. He has a racing background and after owning various Ferrari's over the years, from Dino's to F430's, he wanted something that was even more unique. He finds his Ferrari 4.2 V8 powered Maserati the ideal car but never quite lusted for its look. Design Q was tasked with evolving the Maserati to current design trends with the aim of offering a contemporary style. Design Q designed all new bumpers, front grille, tail lamps, sills/splitter's and a new interior. This 'Individual' experience is something he has dreamed of for years, and to work with a team of enthusiastic designers to create his dream car was a process that he enjoyed being part of. He relished the opportunity to enter a working design studio, see clay and cad modellers build his design, and experience his own vehicle launch. It was more than what he expected to get from the experience. ''I never thought I would be able to go to one company and have them do the full process in front of me in one building. It's amazing''
(The original Gran Sport interior was also designed by Design Q in 2005)
Design Q has revolutionised Bombardier's Learjet 85, Challenger 350 and 650 interiors by providing entirely new cabin designs, creating the ultimate in-flight experience. Design Q also designed, developed and manufactured the Global Vision Flight Deck Concept and engineered and manufactured the Global 7000 mock up, the largest luxury marketing aircraft prototype ever built.
Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems is a UK-based aircraft seating supplier with a focus on innovation and quality. Pitch developed and manufactured the revolutionary PF2000 fixed recline, the primary choice of Monarch Airlines.
The PF2000 offers passengers an increase of two and a half inches in leg room over a standard economy seat while providing airlines with a light weight seating solution.
The innovative PF2000 is the future in aircraft seating design.
Design Q’s challenge was to define a new interior concept for a business jet using the emerging technology to influence the solution. Inairvation is a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik AG and LIST components and furniture GmbH. Design Q evaluated the emerging technologies within the Inairvation team generating a series of concepts to best exploit these to their fullest. A full size interior mock-up was constructed from the CAD data supplied by Design Q.
Design Q worked closely with Virgin Atlantic to produce a ground breaking and award winning business class product. Joint patent holders on the famous Herringbone layout, the upper class suite transforms innovatively into a fully flat bed, with a dedicated mattress on the rear of the seat. The unique herringbone configuration provides all passengers with both aisle access and a window seat.
On the success of the Jaguar F Type, Design Q is offering a long wheel base F Type. This unique design is available for a limited production run, providing the same performance as the F Type for four occupants, with four doors in a less compromised package.
The second of four innovative and exciting concept interiors for BAE Systems was the ABJ Fusion. Aimed at the charter aircraft market the interior would be used for product launches, carrying sports teams, musicians, celebrities, corporate VIP guests, and the exclusive travel market. It is akin to a flying limousine service, providing a seamless and exclusive travel experience.
At Design Q we are fascinated by ideas. Working within the automotive and aviation industry we strive to provide our clients with innovative solutions. Starting with sketch concepts we develop ideas into Photoshop Renders and turn these into 3D models. We believe aesthetics raise the perceived value, functionality and desirability of a product and that success quickly follows after for our clients.
Our team combines experienced designers and engineers who are able to provide you with unique designs that are as fresh as they are usable. Our strengths and ultimate goals lay in the ability to take a good idea from concept to reality without losing its original flavour.
The AC Cobra, sold as the Ford/Shelby AC Cobra in the United States and often known colloquially as the Shelby Cobra in that country, is an American-engined British sports car produced intermittently since 1962. Like many British specialist manufacturers, AC Cars had been using the Bristol straight-6 engine in its small-volume production, including its AC Ace two-seater roadster. This had a hand-built body with a steel tube frame, and aluminium body panels that were made using English wheeling machines. The engine was a pre-World War II design of BMW which by the 1960s was considered dated. Bristol decided in 1961 to cease production of its engine and instead to use Chrysler 331 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engines. AC started using the 2.6 litre Ford Zephyr engine in its cars. In September 1961, American automotive designer Carroll Shelby wrote to AC asking if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they said no. However, Ford wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new engine which could be used in this endeavor: Ford's 260 in³ HiPo (4.2 L) engine – a new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8 tuned for high performance. Ford provided Shelby with two engines. In January 1962 mechanics at AC Cars in Thames Ditton, Surrey fitted the prototype chassis CSX2000 with a 260 ci Ford V8 borrowed from Ford in the UK; the 221 ci was never sent. However, early engineering drawings were titled "AC Ace 3.6". After testing and modification, the engine and transmission were removed and the chassis was air-freighted to Shelby in Los Angeles on 2 February 1962. His team fitted it with an engine and transmission in less than eight hours at Dean Moon's shop in Santa Fe Springs, California, and began road-testing.
Taking inspiration and cues from Concept 1, this design evolves ideas and technologies into a developed, realistic proposal meeting the demands and requests of potential customers involved during the development process. Design Q has been working with Inairvation over the past few years to develop integrated interior design solutions to showcase the company’s capabilities.
Bombardier Aerospace commissioned Design Q to produce the new Global Vision Flight Deck for their class-leading Global Express XRS aircraft. Design Q used their experience of automotive design to combine sweeping unbroken lines, sensitive use of colour to enhance space, high quality leather and carbon fibre materials to create the most innovative and luxurious flight deck in the industry.
We worked closely with Thomas Cook’s product team, applying their newly launched corporate brand to their Airbus A330 cabins.
Key activities included the design and development of new seat covers, working with textile suppliers to create bespoke carpets, curtains & seat fabrics and producing high quality visuals and walk-through animations for press and marketing purposes. We worked hard to create a design that embodies Thomas Cook’s new look and tailored this for both their ‘Economy’ and ‘Premium’ products.
The QV8 was a private commission where Design Q was tasked with upgrading the clients Aston Martin. We provided a change to its exterior details such as glazing, grille, bumpers and lights as well as designing a completely new interior. The vehicle has a comfort system controlled by a single touchscreen, controlling the air conditioning and sound system. A custom 800W sub-woofer and 8 speakers were fitted for the true audiophile.
This is the only Aston Martin QV8 in the world.
At Design Q we use hyper-realistic renderings to give our clients the best visual interpretation there is. Its more than just a picture. We create desire and feeling for a concept that our clients can envisage. Using our Design, Colour & Materials, and Surfacing Teams; for their expertise with composition, lighting and moods, we generate the best visual renders available.
Our commitment to visualisation technology has put us at the forefront of this industry.
Depending on the level of visuals needed, we produce Photoshop realistic renders that don’t require CAD to get a quick result. However the best renders start with our ‘A class’ surfacing and use 3DS MAX and VRED to finish. We provide Panorama’s, a 3d tool that works great with the iPad to show full interiors in real time. Taking this concept even further, our newest visualisation tool is Oculus Rift, a 3D virtual reality headset that allows our clients to walk around their product enabling them to fully understand how it will look. This service is great in the development process of a project and is an alternative to making physical prototypes. If you don’t have access to the headset we offer Video Animations, allowing you to share your product online in many ways, YouTube, Twitter etc. Visualisation is key in showing what is possible and we offer every possible solution.
‘The World’s 1st Jet Sales Centre’ was commissioned by The Jet Business and has been voted London’s Number Three retail experience following Harrods & Rolex. Situated close to Hyde Park Corner in London the showroom has on display a Full Size Airbus 319 VIP Jet interior designed and manufactured by Design Q. The sales team operate from a set of bespoke Design Q modular flight deck control desks. Inside the Jet, the furniture was influenced by the finest watches and is made specifically for the purpose of being the best.
Design Q pushed the boundaries with this interior incorporating new manufacturing techniques derived from the best in the automotive industry. Launched in 2012 at Geneva European Business Aviation Convention it combined ground breaking aesthetics and ergonomic advances providing an entirely new cabin design creating the ultimate in-flight experience. A revolutionary side-ledge concept underlines the overall breakthrough in design. Fluid lines of real metal flow through the cabin to complete the level of refined craftsmanship.
In conjunction with Jaguar Design, Design Q provided ideas and visuals that enhanced the long wheel base XJ. Prototypes were developed creating a unique rear occupant environment incorporating new seating, iPad integration on the rear of the front seats, power up cocktail/lap top table and champagne/water cooler. The Learjet in the background is also a Design Q interior and one of numerous interior programmes for Learjet.
This special order 8 Litre, Supercharged, 4 man off road racer is designed to thrill. It features an interior that is more like a Fighter Jet than a car.
We are design enthusiasts and our inspiration comes from everywhere. When you see a new product, you initially see the shape of its design. You will subconsciously feel texture and see additional colours and it’s the art of subliminal Colour & Materials that really sells a product. To choose the correct palate is a challenge which makes Colour & Materials an art form which our team are able to successfully deliver to our clients. Whether it’s in the luxury or the economy sector, we understand what the end user expects and deliver this and more.
We have an extensive library of the latest materials, certified for use in all aerospace and automotive applications. Our bespoke service also allows us to create our own designs and we work with manufacturers to develop unique, fully certified fabrics, leathers and synthetics.
Under the guidance of Frank Stephenson, Ferrari commissioned Design Q to provide sketch design proposals and define exterior Class A surfacing for the extreme FXX. Based on the Enzo’s under pinning's, Design Q widened and lengthened the track car, production was limited to 30 vehicles and sold by invitation only. In addition Design Q developed sketch proposals for the exterior livery and interior.
We have always pushed the boundaries of possibility with technology. This is evident in our work and our high profile client list.
Where designs require complex 3D form development and digital resolution, our experienced team use high end automotive CAD software such as Alias, ICEM Surf and Catia to release Class 'A' surfaces which perfectly describe the final design. The starting point for the project can be a sketch, scan data from a physical model or a concept CAD design; we can take join a project at any stage of the process.
Whether it’s an automotive exterior or an aerospace interior, our skilled team of design modellers combine Aesthetic Quality (Continuity and Highlights), Engineering Requirements (Flanges and Fit) and Production Requirements (Modelling Tolerances) to achieve the highest quality of surfacing available.
The Honda NSX, marketed as Acura NSX in North America, is a mid-engine sports car manufactured by Honda. The first-generation prototype debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show under the developmental code name NS-X, which represented "New", "Sportscar" and "eXperimental". The prototype's name was later adopted as the official name of the production model, with a slight change to NSX. The rear-wheel drive two-seater was the first car from Honda with an all-aluminium body. Powered by an all-aluminium V6 engine, it featured Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system developed in the 1980s. The NSX was manufactured in Japan from 1990 to 2005 before being discontinued.
In December 2011, Honda officially announced the second-generation NSX concept, which was unveiled the following month at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The first production version was shown several years later at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. The all-wheel drive NSX hybrid features a twin-turbo V6 engine and several different drive mode operations.
The Avro Business Jet ‘Explorer’ concept represents a bold and innovative approach to aircraft interiors. It is the first of four concepts that Design Q developed for BAE Systems with the intention of developing the ABJ. Each of these will build on the unique elements of the aircraft to deliver a range of exceptional interiors for different VIP aircraft market segments.
Launched in 2014 the design has been carefully executed by Design Q providing a class leading cabin. A superior creative interior inspired by the design of the Challenger 350. The aircraft features fluid lines and luxurious comfort, industry leading wired and wireless connectivity as standard, new levels of control along with infinite flexibility in its work and dining areas.
Design Q offers this project as a unique major upgrade to the Jaguar XKR. This design closes the gap between the XK8 and the F Type. The 2+2 seater has now evolved into a menacingly handsome Grand Tourer.
We produce prototypes. Our first project when Design Q was founded in 1997 was a fully engineered car. Since then we have met with clients from every industry and ventured into all aspects of manufacturing. From single component manufacturing to complete vehicles and aircraft interiors, we have cemented our name within the aviation and automotive industries. Able to take on the biggest ventures, we have the in-house capability to produce high quality show cars and full scale wide-body aircraft interior mock-ups.
The ABJ Eleganté is the third of four ground breaking VIP interiors created for BAE Systems. Its highly sophisticated interior features a fluid layout that intuitively guides occupants through the aircraft and maximises the available space. The style is one of ‘comfortable luxury’ utilising rich material finishes with fluid shapes and new technology to create a harmonious overall effect.
Working closely with Land Rover Design, Design Q provided a totally unique rear occupant experience. This incorporated a laptop table, new seating, several high end enhancements and a centre console offering a stylised table deploying from the armrest.
Design Q has undertaken multiple projects for Maserati over the years, from design concepts, surface definition to production. Under the guidance of Frank Stephenson projects include the MC12, 4200 GranSport & Spyder and the Quattroporte.
The ABJ Q is the final concept in the series that was developed for the ABJ aircraft. It offers a contemporary living and working space for its owner and is in stark contrast with traditional business jet interiors of today. Designed to appeal to dynamic and forward thinking individuals, the interior is bristling with technology and gadgets that are discretely concealed in the beautifully crafted furniture, but available at a moment’s notice.
This is a vehicle that takes the Range Rover beyond the limitations of any luxury limousine. It has a longer wheel base which provides the rear occupants with the space and amenities that afford a private jet.
Our engineering team supports the design and surfacing activities to ensure the end product delivers to the exact customer specification. Engineering supports the entire process from concept through surfacing, prototype manufacture and finally to the delivery of fully engineered drawings. The engineering team utilise both Catia and SolidWorks to engineer the components.
In the automotive and aviation industry, customers demand lightweight structures. To achieve this, our engineering team use of carbon fibre, Kevlar, aluminium and aircraft/automotive grade plastics.
Maserati commissioned Design Q to design the full interior for the MC12, Maserati's road going version of its MC12 race car. Assisting Frank Stephenson with the design of the interior, Design Q also designed exterior liveries and wheels for the car. Limited to 50 vehicles, this is a true racing car.
The Jensen SV8 and CV8 were designed entirely by Design Q. From concept to running prototype they were launched at the Birmingham Motor Show, the SV8 in 1998 and the CV8 in 2000. They were both received enthusiastically by the media. Designed as a pure sports car with a Ford Mustang Cobra 4.6 litre V8 engine the SV8 boasts a top speed of over 160mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds.
Design Q was responsible for generating sketch design proposals and defining the exterior of the Class A surfacing for Ferrari's extreme Enzo racecar, the FXX. Design Q also developed sketch proposals for the exterior livery and interior, working under the guidance of Frank Stephenson.
Using Design Q’s aeronautical expertise, Eurocopter requested a more contemporary interior design to upgrade its 135. Providing innovative storage solutions and a more connected user experience we were able to significantly increase the end user experience.
Design Q are taking commissions to convert a Range Rover into the Portofino. This unique vehicle is designed to complement beautiful coastal areas with its yacht inspired wooden deck and appointments. It creates a relaxed, elegant, Joie de Vivre spirit which would feel at home in Portofino, Monaco or further afield. The ultimate Riviera experience.
Launched at EBACE 2014 in Geneva, Design Q talk through the build process taken to create the Worlds Largest Luxury Business Jet Prototype for their client Bombardier Aerospace
The Fulvia was the last Lancia wholly designed by the old-line automaker before it was acquired by the Fiat Group in 1969. Produced from 1965 until 1976, this technically advanced model featured front-wheel drive and a narrow angle OHC V-4, which was increased to 1.3-liters for 1967. This example is the sport coupe version bodied by Zagato and makes extensive use of aluminum body panels.
Fit for a President, this vehicle offers detailing and systems never before incorporated into one single vehicle. Designed as a Mobile Command Control vehicle it boasts RADAR, 8 HD control screens, a URV, a UAV, a Military HD camera with a three mile range and a head up display with infrared that allows for driving with the lights off. Its bomb proof, bullet proof and features an emergency ‘Get Me Home’ mode.
Design Q was commissioned to undertake the full interior design, including the flight deck of the Learjet 85. The aim was to provide a completely new interior design DNA that would evolve throughout the Learjet brand. With clear automotive influences evident, this interior stunned the industry when it was launched, setting new standards in style and comfort.
Design Q was commissioned to undertake the full interior design including the flight deck. The aim was to provide Learjet with a new interior design DNA that would evolve through their other models. Clearly with automotive influences this interior stunned the industry when launched, setting new standards for interior appointment and comfort.
Quest Helicopters unveiled a new Helicopter Concept at the Dubai Aircraft Show. Design Q was commissioned to design a VIP interior in partnership with Bahlly, a leading residential interior design consultancy based in London. The interior was inspired by classically luxurious design elements and high quality materials. Design Q also manufactured four prototype helicopter seats.
