The desire for lower cost and more fuel-efficient aircraft to carry cargo is driving some interesting innovation. The latest example, although not completely new, is the proposal to tow autonomous cargo carrying gliders behind a lead plane https://lnkd.in/gH54fgRf. The gliders would essentially fly in the slipstream of the lead aircraft, described as "surfing the vortices", providing some significant savings in fuel, and hence emissions. These aircraft will only carry relatively small payloads, similar to, but maybe slightly larger, the many "last mile" drone propositions that are currently being designed and developed. It's potentially going to make for a lot more traffic in the air with all these small craft carrying up to a ton or even two tons of cargo. It's an intriguing proposition and the key benefit, although on a small scale, is the fuel reduction which lowers the cost and reduces overall emissions. To that end, it has a similar philosophy to Droneliner. Although Droneliner has a vastly bigger payload capacity, between 200 and 350 tons, the objective of major improvements in relative fuel efficiency aligns. And that fuel efficiency, much lower per ton of cargo, is the key that unlocks much lower operational costs and much lower emission rates. It's encouraging to see the application of these philosophies in the airfreight market and paves the way to a much cleaner and more efficient future for air cargo. #Aerolane #Airfreight #Autonomous #Drone #Droneliner #Cargo #Emissions
Droneliner Ltd’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
Great to see the creative thinking in aerospace that's being applied here. Aerolane have adopted the concept of reducing the number of engines on a plane by removing them completely from a towed glider behind the lead aircraft https://lnkd.in/gtF26zDV . We thought we were pushing boundaries at Droneliner by reducing engines down to one but taking them away completely is another step. In reality, the idea is similar, in that reducing engines with a lighter weight, unpiloted, autonomous aircraft can reduce costs, fuel use and emissions. Aerolane are doing it on a small scale with these gliders and Droneliner comes with a much bigger proposition carrying a few hundred times more cargo but essentially with the same objective. Lower fuel, lower cost and lower emissions. #Aerolane #Airfreight #Autonomous #Drone #Droneliner #Cargo #Emissions #JetFuel
The desire for lower cost and more fuel-efficient aircraft to carry cargo is driving some interesting innovation. The latest example, although not completely new, is the proposal to tow autonomous cargo carrying gliders behind a lead plane https://lnkd.in/gH54fgRf. The gliders would essentially fly in the slipstream of the lead aircraft, described as "surfing the vortices", providing some significant savings in fuel, and hence emissions. These aircraft will only carry relatively small payloads, similar to, but maybe slightly larger, the many "last mile" drone propositions that are currently being designed and developed. It's potentially going to make for a lot more traffic in the air with all these small craft carrying up to a ton or even two tons of cargo. It's an intriguing proposition and the key benefit, although on a small scale, is the fuel reduction which lowers the cost and reduces overall emissions. To that end, it has a similar philosophy to Droneliner. Although Droneliner has a vastly bigger payload capacity, between 200 and 350 tons, the objective of major improvements in relative fuel efficiency aligns. And that fuel efficiency, much lower per ton of cargo, is the key that unlocks much lower operational costs and much lower emission rates. It's encouraging to see the application of these philosophies in the airfreight market and paves the way to a much cleaner and more efficient future for air cargo. #Aerolane #Airfreight #Autonomous #Drone #Droneliner #Cargo #Emissions
Unpowered cargo gliders on tow ropes promise 65% cheaper air freight
newatlas.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Cargo gliders are back? A West Texas company says it's found a remarkably simple way to slash air #cargo costs as much as 65% – by having planes tow autonomous, cargo-carrying #gliders behind them, big enough to double, or potentially triple their payload capacity. The idea certainly isn't a new one – payload-carrying gliders were towed toward combat zones in World War 2, full of troops and/or equipment, then released to attempt unpowered landings in the thick of things – with widely variable results, particularly where stone-walled farms were a factor. More recently, the US Air Mobility Command tried flying one C-17 Globemaster III some 3-6,000 ft (900-1800m) back from another, "surfing" the vortices left in the lead plane's wake – much like ducks flying in formation – and found there were double-digit fuel savings to be gained. But Texas startup Aerolane says the savings will be much more substantial with purpose-built autonomous cargo gliders connected to the lead plane with a simple tow rope. With no propulsion systems, you save all the weight of engines, motors, fuel or batteries. There'll be no cabin for a pilot, just space for cargo and the autonomous flight control systems that'll run them. https://lnkd.in/exZAwVjM
Unpowered cargo gliders on tow ropes promise 65% cheaper air freight
newatlas.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Postal, Courier and Airlines Expert. Commercial Manager, Sales and Operations at Skynet Worldwide Express
BUY QUALITY AND ASK FOR QUALITY SERVICE Droneliner DL350: A Revolutionary Cargo Aircraft The Droneliner DL350 is a massive, unmanned cargo aircraft designed to revolutionize the shipping industry. Developed by Droneliner, it's part of a larger vision to create highly efficient, long-haul cargo planes that can operate without a crew. Key Features of the DL350: 🚢 Massive Cargo Capacity: Able to carry up to 350 tons of cargo in standard shipping containers. 🌐 Long Range: With a range of 6,500 nautical miles, it can cover vast distances without refueling. 🤖 Autonomous Operation: The DL350 is designed to operate without a crew, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. 🛢 Fuel Efficiency: Incorporates hybrid power systems and aerodynamic design for optimal fuel consumption. 👷♂️ Efficient Loading and Unloading: Features a roll-on/roll-off system for quick and easy cargo handling. 🚛 Lightweight intermodal 20-ft containers 🤑 90%+ reduction in handling costs Efficient roll-on/roll-off freight system Lifts 40 or 70 5-ton carrying 20ft containers 💡 I am interested in this project, because it is the only example of high innovation in the Freight industry. 🤓 The deployment of such large, unmanned aircrafts will disrupt Sea and Air transportation for the long haul. #skynetasiapacific #skynetworldwideexpress #skynet #quality #innovation
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Postal, Courier and Airlines Expert. Commercial Manager, Sales and Operations at Skynet Worldwide Express
BUY QUALITY AND ASK FOR QUALITY SERVICE Mega Gliders: A Promising Step Towards Sustainable Cargo Transportation? Mega gliders are large, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to transport heavy payloads over long distances. As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, these aircraft have emerged as a potential solution for sustainable cargo transportation. Potential Benefits of Mega Gliders 🌳 Reduced Carbon Footprint: Compared to traditional aircraft, mega gliders can operate at higher altitudes and use more efficient flight paths, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. ✈ Improved Efficiency: By eliminating the need for pilots, mega gliders can potentially reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. 🌾 Accessibility: Mega gliders can access remote areas that are difficult or impossible to reach by traditional transportation methods. Challenges and Considerations 🤖 Technical Limitations: Developing mega gliders capable of carrying heavy payloads over long distances requires significant technological advancements in areas such as propulsion, aerodynamics, and autonomous flight systems. ⚖ Regulatory Hurdles: Integrating mega gliders into the existing airspace system will require the development of new regulations and standards to ensure safety and prevent conflicts with other aircraft. 🛫 Infrastructure Requirements: The widespread adoption of mega gliders may necessitate investments in new infrastructure, such as landing and take-off facilities and ground control systems. Conclusion While mega gliders offer the potential for more sustainable cargo transportation, there are significant challenges to overcome before they can become a mainstream solution. Continued research and development, along with regulatory and infrastructure advancements, will be essential to realize the full potential of this technology. #skynetasiapacific #skynetworldwideexpress #skynet #quality #aircargo #innovation #sustainability
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
The world's first human drone! Supercarblondie got the chance to try it and see just how easy it is to fly. Created by @liftaircraft, the Hexa weighs less than a standard motorcycle and doesn't require a license. It's just like flying your standard drone, except with this one, you are onboard. It runs on 18 batteries, one for every propeller and even if half of them shuts down, you are fine. It also floats on water. Got half a million dollars you're unsure of where to spend? Well this might be the Christmas gift you've been looking for. DEDICATED TO EVS WORLDWIDE _______________ WWW.ELECTRICMOTORFEED.COM #drone #electricvehicle #emobility
Flying a $495,000 Human Drone_1.mp4
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
First-Hand Experience. Many #Oil and #Gas companies need constant delivery of essential goods to ensure the smooth operation of the fields. #Unmanned #aircraft are undoubtedly occupying this important niche. The UAVOS INC.' #UVH500 is an excellent example of the embodiment of #autonomous #cargo #delivery in harsh conditions. The Oil & Gas companies need uninterrupted, safe and efficient supplies of tools, spare parts, medical supplies and food in remote regions of the Far North, where there are no roads, runways and helipads, and ground transport can only deliver goods in winter along ice roads. Delivery of light packages (from 10 to 160 kg) many times a day on manned helicopters is very expensive and requires huge resources, and sometimes it is unsafe due to weather or environment conditions. SOLUTION Fully autonomous, severe weather #UVH500 #unmanned #helicopter with a slung lowering device (air-to-ground / ground-to-air pickup). This solution allows the delivery of goods in almost any landscape without the need for landing. Results More than 3 hours on duty round way non stop flight, covering around 300 km delivering 250 kg of cargo. There were several flights a day delivering around 500 kg to the Oil&Gas fields in remote locations. Substantial cost savings in the short term. https://bit.ly/3tTPAcR
UVH - 500 Cargo Drone
https://www.youtube.com/
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Dji official distributor of Agricultural drones, Consumer drones, Industrial drones, and Action Cameras and Gimbals.
Here is the recap version of our lastest webinar "SOP of Agras Drones & Cases" ✳ Please watch and share your thoughts 🗯
"Drone safety is critical to learn if you want to become a drone pilot. Thanks to everyone who participated in our latest webinar " Mastering Drone Safety: Tips & Techniques for the Safety Operation." In this video, you will learn: 1. Drone safety procedures 2. Case scenarios 3. Procedures if the drone crashes https://lnkd.in/dYjPprwX Please watch and share your thoughts. If you have any inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]." #djiacademy #dji #dronesafety #safety #dronesolutions #agriculturedrone #agridrone #agriculture
Mastering Drone Safety: Tips & Techniques for Safety Operations |Webinar Recap #webinar #dronesafety
https://www.youtube.com/
To view or add a comment, sign in
256 followers