Boeing to create a forcefield (yes, an actual forcefield)

Megan Snedden | Special for USA TODAY

Star Wars jokes aside, Boeing actually just patented a force field that would use energy to deflect explosions. For real; it's called, "method and system for shockwave attenuation via electromagnetic arc."

According to the patent, which was granted earlier this month, the field would employ a sensor that detects the direction of shockwaves. Next, it deploys an "anti-shockwave" laser that creates a field between the explosion and the target, effectively shielding an object from explosive force by reflecting and absorbing it. This protective energetic layer could be used to insulate not just airplanes but also buildings, military vehicles, and ships.

Here's a quick video providing greater detail of how the field works:

If this is all sounding very space age, that's because it is. The airline manufacturer has actually yet to bring said forcefield to fruition, but that's not to say the force won't be with them in the future.