Periodic Reporting for period 3 - CRiSTA (Multifunctionnal Cabin ReST Area)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2020-03-01 al 2021-07-31
The CRiSTA project was started based on the request for a multi-functional cabin rest area. Initially the problems/issues being addressed by the project were defined as: crew fatigue during long range flights, increased numbers of medical emergencies by ageing passengers and the wish to fulfill cultural needs on board. During our investigations it became clear that these problems/issues are actual and have become more relevant for the A320 neo for which we are designing this multi-functional cabin rest area. The A320 neo has a longer range than its predecessor and airlines will start to use it for trans Atlantic flights. This causes unions to urge airlines to allow for decent crew resting on these flights. Furthermore a medical incident could have a big impact on catering and passenger comfort during a long range flight in case it would need to be handled in the aisle. Finally things like baby care also become more urgnet during the longer flight in the narrow body aircraft.
Our multi-functional cabin rest area should make sure that the well being of both crew and passengers is taken to higher level on the long range narrow body flights on the A320 neo. As a society we want our air travel to be safe and comfortable and these are the main topics CRiSTA addresses. Next to this we are confident that with the medical and communication equipment we intend to incorporate in the area we can also decrease the amount of diverted flights and fuel dumped, which is also an important factor for society.
The overall objectives have been defined as:
- allowing for real long range capability of the A320 neo aircraft
- giving the airline flexibility to use the space they way it fits their business model best
- enabling the highest possible degree of medical care on narrow body aircraft
- enabling the use for cultural needs, like praying, meditation, infant care etc.
After design, construction, shipping and testing we found that to make a viable product out of this demonstrator several changes will be required based on the following outcomes:
- The foldable bench is not suitable for use with passengers that are not mobile and cannot be used for CPR.
- It would be better to add an additional High Comfort Cabin Attendant Seat (HCCAS) instead of the foldable bench.
- Resting with two crew members at once is challenging as the space is very limited and there is no privacy.
- The extended workdeck will not be used as it takes time to set up (a general problem for multi functionality).
- The crew really likes the space, but is not eager to share the space with passengers.
- Hygene wise there are concerns to use the space for baby care.
Concluding, to create an actual product out of this demonstrator additional research and development will be needed as on all three main topics (crew resting, medical and passenger experience) have at this moment major concerns. The space is too expensive to use only during the very limited time of resting during the flight.
Our multi-functional cabin rest area should make sure that the well being of both crew and passengers is taken to higher level on the long range narrow body flights on the A320 neo. As a society we want our air travel to be safe and comfortable and these are the main topics CRiSTA addresses. Next to this we are confident that with the medical and communication equipment we intend to incorporate in the area we can also decrease the amount of diverted flights and fuel dumped, which is also an important factor for society.
The overall objectives have been defined as:
- allowing for real long range capability of the A320 neo aircraft
- giving the airline flexibility to use the space they way it fits their business model best
- enabling the highest possible degree of medical care on narrow body aircraft
- enabling the use for cultural needs, like praying, meditation, infant care etc.
After design, construction, shipping and testing we found that to make a viable product out of this demonstrator several changes will be required based on the following outcomes:
- The foldable bench is not suitable for use with passengers that are not mobile and cannot be used for CPR.
- It would be better to add an additional High Comfort Cabin Attendant Seat (HCCAS) instead of the foldable bench.
- Resting with two crew members at once is challenging as the space is very limited and there is no privacy.
- The extended workdeck will not be used as it takes time to set up (a general problem for multi functionality).
- The crew really likes the space, but is not eager to share the space with passengers.
- Hygene wise there are concerns to use the space for baby care.
Concluding, to create an actual product out of this demonstrator additional research and development will be needed as on all three main topics (crew resting, medical and passenger experience) have at this moment major concerns. The space is too expensive to use only during the very limited time of resting during the flight.
WP 1.1 Identification of operational and functional requirements:
During the first phase of the project we have focused on gathering requirements for the multi-functional cabin rest area by having interviews, workshops and discussions with relevant user groups. Together with our marketing and engineering teams we set up a list of requirements for the project which can be used for validation purposes throughout the project.
WP 1.2 Idea creation according to the functional requirements:
Using the outcome of WP 1.1 as a basis we started generating ideas for the multi-functional cabin rest area. In co-creation session s with the end users (crews, medical specialists and passengers) we have expanded on these ideas and valued them. This resulted in a layout passenger arrangement for a typical A320 neo for a long range flight. Using journey mapping we have made sure that the solutions found can be used throughout the entire flight, making it really multi-functional.
WP 1.3 Definition of a concept for a multi-functional cabin rest area
This work package focused on integrating the ideas generated in the first WP's into a rough 3D model and low fidelity mock-up of the area. By physically creating the actual space and being able to walk in it, we were able to see and feel in real life what the main issues would be and overcome them in an early stage. The outcome is a 3D model and compliance matrix (compliance to the requirements) which is the basis for the 3D detail design of the following WP. It gives us the confidence that we can meet the requirements in the given space, but also shows that we have several technical challenges to overcome.
WP 1.4 Development of a 3D CAD model of the rest area
This WP has been performed by Safran Engineering Services. They have created the detailed 3D models which were used to prepare the production drawings and create bill of materials for parts supply. Which are required for the activities in WP 2.
WP 2.1 Test plan
In this WP the test plans were prepared for the functional testing related to the production phase.
WP 2.2 Building , function testing and delivery of a physical demonstrator
After purchasing of all the required parts and elements of the demonstrator the production of the demonstrator took place in our factory in Plzen. After ensuring all was working according to the requirements set for user testing the monument was packaged and prepared for shipment. Shipping to Hamburg was arranged together with a regular galley and some stowage representations to ensure we could recreate an actual cabin environment in the aircraft section that was made available in the ZAL in Hamburg.
WP 3.1 Test plan
This test plan contains the user testing that was performed using the CRiSTA area. And which would result in the final project result.
WP 3.2 Integration of demonstrator in representative cabin environment
By the time the monument arrived in Hamburg, our crew traveled there to install the monument, the galley and the stowage representations into the aircraft section that was made available for user testing. Installation showed to be fairly easy, but as expected also revealed some improvements to be implemented in case this would become an actual product. After installation a quick check was performed to assure that all mechanisms and systems were still working according the requirements. A few weeks later the user testing was planned and performed. Cabin crew has been hired as well as a nurse to evaluate the medical and crew functionality that was built into the demonstrator. Together with the Airbus team the monument has also been evaluated and the passenger functionality reviewed.
The testing was reported in a deliverable D3.3.
During the first phase of the project we have focused on gathering requirements for the multi-functional cabin rest area by having interviews, workshops and discussions with relevant user groups. Together with our marketing and engineering teams we set up a list of requirements for the project which can be used for validation purposes throughout the project.
WP 1.2 Idea creation according to the functional requirements:
Using the outcome of WP 1.1 as a basis we started generating ideas for the multi-functional cabin rest area. In co-creation session s with the end users (crews, medical specialists and passengers) we have expanded on these ideas and valued them. This resulted in a layout passenger arrangement for a typical A320 neo for a long range flight. Using journey mapping we have made sure that the solutions found can be used throughout the entire flight, making it really multi-functional.
WP 1.3 Definition of a concept for a multi-functional cabin rest area
This work package focused on integrating the ideas generated in the first WP's into a rough 3D model and low fidelity mock-up of the area. By physically creating the actual space and being able to walk in it, we were able to see and feel in real life what the main issues would be and overcome them in an early stage. The outcome is a 3D model and compliance matrix (compliance to the requirements) which is the basis for the 3D detail design of the following WP. It gives us the confidence that we can meet the requirements in the given space, but also shows that we have several technical challenges to overcome.
WP 1.4 Development of a 3D CAD model of the rest area
This WP has been performed by Safran Engineering Services. They have created the detailed 3D models which were used to prepare the production drawings and create bill of materials for parts supply. Which are required for the activities in WP 2.
WP 2.1 Test plan
In this WP the test plans were prepared for the functional testing related to the production phase.
WP 2.2 Building , function testing and delivery of a physical demonstrator
After purchasing of all the required parts and elements of the demonstrator the production of the demonstrator took place in our factory in Plzen. After ensuring all was working according to the requirements set for user testing the monument was packaged and prepared for shipment. Shipping to Hamburg was arranged together with a regular galley and some stowage representations to ensure we could recreate an actual cabin environment in the aircraft section that was made available in the ZAL in Hamburg.
WP 3.1 Test plan
This test plan contains the user testing that was performed using the CRiSTA area. And which would result in the final project result.
WP 3.2 Integration of demonstrator in representative cabin environment
By the time the monument arrived in Hamburg, our crew traveled there to install the monument, the galley and the stowage representations into the aircraft section that was made available for user testing. Installation showed to be fairly easy, but as expected also revealed some improvements to be implemented in case this would become an actual product. After installation a quick check was performed to assure that all mechanisms and systems were still working according the requirements. A few weeks later the user testing was planned and performed. Cabin crew has been hired as well as a nurse to evaluate the medical and crew functionality that was built into the demonstrator. Together with the Airbus team the monument has also been evaluated and the passenger functionality reviewed.
The testing was reported in a deliverable D3.3.
The area that we are developing will be the first in the industry to have a permanent solution for crew resting on single aisle aircraft, with the ability to change the purpose of the area throughout the flight depending on the needs and allowing the airlines to optimize the use of the space. Medical assistance will be lifted to the next level with a specific location, a full flat solution, sufficient storage for all required medical equipment and we are aiming to use health monitoring and direct connection to on ground medical specialists.
Furthermore we aim to make the space useful throughout the whole journey and therefore we use journey mapping to envision the use during all phases of flight.
Furthermore we aim to make the space useful throughout the whole journey and therefore we use journey mapping to envision the use during all phases of flight.