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Technology & Innovation

These planes can tow trailers just like a truck. It could be the future of shipping

Adele Peters
15 April 2024
3 min
PME All levels

BLUF

Towing a glider behind a cargo plane could dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of air delivery.

Summary

  1. Additional fuel used during take-off, but then the glider would surf ‘on the wake of the air’.
  2. Redundant planes could be used as gliders.
  3. US military used gliders in World War II to deliver soldiers and supplies.
READ: These planes can tow trailers just like a truck. It could be the future of shipping

References

  • Media Check: Fast Company - Media Bias Fact Check (HIGH CREDIBILITY) 
  • Collections | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
  • RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC. 
 

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