They put potatoes instead of passengers! An unconventional experiment on the plane

Boeing engineers looking for a solution to the weakening of internet connectivity in some seats on flights conducted an unconventional experiment. In the 2012 study, about 9 tons of potatoes were used instead of passengers.

They Used Potatoes Instead of Humans

The distribution of wireless internet connectivity inside the cabin during flights can vary depending on passengers' positions and the physical conditions inside the cabin. US aircraft manufacturer Boeing also developed an unconventional method to better analyze this situation.

In the study conducted in 2012, engineers used potatoes to mimic the interaction of the human body with electronic signals.

Because the human body contains a high proportion of water, it has the ability to absorb and reflect radio waves. The fact that potatoes exhibit similar properties made them a suitable alternative for this experiment.

They Created an Aircraft Cabin Using 9 Tons of Potatoes

In the experiment, the seats of a grounded passenger aircraft were filled with approximately 20 bin pound, i.e., 9 bin kilogram of potatoes. Thus a cabin environment with passengers was simulated on the plane.

By placing the potatoes in the seats, the distribution of wireless internet signals inside the cabin was examined. Additionally, the potatoes' stationary position allowed engineers to conduct more controlled and repeatable measurements.

The aim was to improve in‑flight internet connectivity.

Boeing engineers aimed to determine why the internet signal was stronger in some seats and weaker in others through the conducted tests.

Thanks to the obtained measurements, the distribution of wireless signals inside the cabin was analyzed, leading to work aimed at improving the connection system.

At first glance the potato experiment seemed unusual, but it drew attention as one of the intriguing engineering methods developed to provide more efficient internet connections in aircraft.