Glider towing aircraft system for aerial cargo transport

An American startup has developed a cargo system consisting of an airplane towing a cargo glider behind it by a tether, significantly reducing shipping costs.

The glider-tow system significantly reduces the cost of transporting goods by air. Photo: Aerolane

Aerolane, a Texas-based startup, has found a way to reduce the cost of air freight by up to 65 percent, New Atlas reported on March 18. The company plans to use planes to tow autonomous cargo gliders behind them, allowing the planes to carry double or triple the amount of cargo than normal.

The new system is inspired by the gliders that transported troops and equipment during World War II. Aerolane says the automated cargo glider, called the Aerocart, is tethered to the aircraft by a simple tether. The glider has no propulsion system, which means all the weight of the engine, fuel, or batteries is eliminated. There is also no cabin for the pilot, just space for cargo and an automated flight control system.

The Aerocart will be towed along the runway by the plane. It will take off with the plane, then stay tethered throughout the flight, automatically gliding behind it for minimal drag and maximum lift. It will either land directly behind the plane while still tethered, or disconnect at a suitable location and land on its own, landing on an entirely different runway.

Aerolane has been flying two prototype gliders since 2022. Both use Aerolane’s autopilot system, which is specifically designed to glide efficiently behind an aircraft. They still have engines, but Aerolane is working with the FAA to get approval to build the aircraft without a powertrain, using lightweight materials. The company is aiming to build a 3-ton cargo glider, followed by a 10-ton version.

Although it has no early customers, Aerolane has raised about $11.5 million in funding and aims to start service by 2025. As prototypes mature, the company’s idea of “air speed at ground costs” could attract significant interest from cargo carriers.

Thu Thao (According to New Atlas )

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