PROMISE OF AIR CARGO--SYSTEM ASPECTS AND VEHICLE DESIGN

A review of the current operation of the air cargo system and a discussion of the prospects for the future indicate that if technological innovations can be brought to maturity and implemented, and if the efficiency of the interface with the surface mode can be improved, the air mode would show an uprecedented growth. Air cargo demand is forecasted to increase in a dynamic manner. Estimates vary between 11-16%/yr between now and the 1990s. These forecasts conservatively indicate a fourfold increase in air cargo traffic between 1975 and 1985. Specialized, advanced terminals will be required to support the air cargo system of the future. Intermodal containers, automated handling systems, and computerized control and billing may be key ingredients. NASA and industry studies indicate that large gains in aircraft payload and fuel efficiency are possible from the application of advanced technologies and configuration concepts. Recent results have indicated that for containerized payloads exceeding about 0.3 Gg (600,000 lb), the span-distributed-load concept provides savings in operating costs over advanced fuselage-loaded designs.

• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Maxwell House, Fairview Park
  Elmsford, NY  United States  10523
• Authors:
  • Whitehead Jr, A H
• Publication Date: 1977-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 77-99
• Serial:
  • Acta Astronautica
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 1-2
  • Publisher: Pergamon Press, Incorporated

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cargo; Automation; Containers; Forecasting; Freight terminals; Ground transportation; Information processing; Intermodal terminals; Operating costs
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Freight Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172798
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 28 1978 12:00AM