ASIM, Jan 15
Collins Aerospace is proud to introduce Helix™, the next generation main cabin seat for narrowbody commercial aircraft. Intelligently designed to improve passenger living space without impacting cabin density, Helix provides increased comfort and is stronger and lighter compared to legacy economy class seats.
Helix is designed to optimize pitch and prioritize passenger comfort without impacting cabin densities. Traditionally pitched at 32”, seat to seat distance may be compressed to 28”. Through iterative mockups, we identified a novel seating position which help us achieve marked improvements in usable passenger space, shin clearance and under-seat stowage.
Helix brings widebody main cabin comfort to a narrowbody seat. We considered the extended range of new single-aisle aircraft and setup the seat for long-haul flights by taking knowledge from our widebody seating products. We’ve integrated our next-gen diaphragm comfort system to provide a suspension layer between cushion and frame by using clever methods of installation.
The frame architecture has a contoured seat back, providing support where it’s needed and reducing material where it’s not. The subtle shaping improves ergonomics for long haul flights and increases passenger living space both within the seat and person seated behind a reclined seat.
We engineered the seat to be lighter weight with fewer components. By exposing structural elements instead of hiding them behind plastic, we highlight their material properties that deliver real weight savings and bring a lightweight elegance to the seat. This helps remove nearly one kilogram of weight savings per seat compared to legacy economy class seats which reduces fuel burn to provide airlines cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Helix exemplifies the synergy between engineering and industrial design. Using a less-is-more approach, the essence of Helix is sophisticated, honest and deliberate. Structural components are crafted and celebrated, plastics are minimized, and character lines are purposeful yet elegant.
Form follows function with the end-bay style line which serves as a baggage rub-point, the crease paying homage to legacy Collins seats. Elements of delight are designed into the details. This discerning design accommodates a broad range of airlines and their unique expressions of brand identity.
Intelligently designed and precisely engineered, Helix is the main cabin evolution to propel the next generation of narrow body flight.