Massive New Invention to Revolutionize Air Cargo?
UK startup Droneliner has revealed a major new cargo plane design intended to change the way we move freight while slashing moving costs.
The solution looks to ship goods in a massive autonomous cargo plane that allows for far greater cargo to board, while cutting the cost of air freight by more than 70%, so the company claims.
Such a jump would see air freight almost equal that of ocean-bound cargo.
Droneliner believes that such savings could come from a combination of increased fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, optimized loading/unloading methods, a large payload capacity, and more.
With the plane still in development, Droneliner are likely to face increasing scrutiny to see if the companies big claims can be met.
Air cargo, while notably expensive, is under pressure because of the emissions the industry generates.
Droneliner have addressed this, stating: "Droneliner is designed to be the most fuel efficient long haul cargo aircraft.
"With the greatest ratio of payload to fuel; hybrid systems to support take-off, landing and taxing; regenerative power supplies with no bleed air and an aerodynamic design focussed on fuel efficient drag reduction.
"Droneliner's fuel efficiency makes it the perfect candidate for the more expensive and scarce SAF and Hydrogen fuel solutions."
Whether the major aims of Droneliner can be realised will be seen in time, in the meantime, below is an outline of the comapnies aims with the autonomous cargo plane:
Fits lightweight intermodal 20-ft containers
No pilots (a long-haul airliner needs multiple crew)
Heavy lifting (200-ton or 350-ton payload)
90%+ reduction in handling costs
Efficient roll-on/roll-off freight system
6,500-mile range
Lifts 40 or 70 5-ton carrying 20ft containers
Hyperactive: 1 hour turnaround Suitable for military and civilian use
Ultra-low-drag airframe
Off-the-shelf components
Low-cost modular construction
A fraction of the operating costs
95% reduction in CO2 emissions
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