Opportunities For Development of Advanced Large Cargo Aircraft

A review and study of the history, current state- of-the-art, and prospects for future cargo aircraft systems indicate that the advantages of air transport relative to surface modes can be characterized by rapid delivery, bridging of geographical barriers, and flexible market response. Air cargo demand is forecasted to increase in a dynamic manner. Estimates vary between 11 to 16 percent per year between now and the 1990\u27s. Forecasts indicate a fivefold increase in air cargo traffic from 1975 to 1985. Dedicated, advanced terminals will be required to support the air cargo system of the future. Inter- modal containers and handling systems and computer- ized control and billing may be key ingredients. Farsighted communities such as Coalinga, California, are already studying the potential benefit of serving as a worldwide aerial trade center. Other nations, particularly in Europe, are seriously considering a network of such dedicated freighters. Preliminary NASA and industry studies indicate that large gains in aircraft payload and fuel efficiency are possible from the application of advanced tech-, nologies and configuration concepts. NASA, working in cooperation with elements of DOD and DOT, has defined and proposed a Very Large Aircraft System Technology Program which includes systems studies, R&T, and the determination of the need for individual flight experiments to demonstrate and validate the promises of advanced technology. The outlook for Air Cargo Aircraft of the future appears bright but will require extensive research and technology activity to realize the forecasted potential