Market and Design of a Dedicated Advanced Cargo Airc

Abstract

The development of the European economy requires an efficient transport system. The transportation of goods and freight today is mainly done by surface transport, i.e. road and railways. Air cargo within Europe is in general restricted to mail and parcels. This paper describes the current cargo transport system in Europe and compares road, rail and air transport with respect to energy consumption, land resources required, flexibility and cost of transportation. Based on this comparison, an innovative air cargo transport system will be developed. Three main elements are required for the new system: a specific intermodal cargo airport in every major industrial region of Europe, the design of a new container system and the design of a dedicated large cargo aircraft. A conceptual design for a large cargo aircraft will be shown which can meet the technical and operational requirements arising from the new air transport system.