Engineering Problems of AIR CARGO TRANSPORTATION 420125
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IN the enormous increase in air-cargo transportation predicted for the near future, good schedule reliability is an absolute need. If schedule reliability is not maintained, it will be impossible to make close connections with other air carriers and time thus wasted would overcome many of the advantages of shipment by air.
To attain such schedule reliability, cargo airplanes must be equipped with all the facilities needed for operation under adverse conditions, including anti-icing equipment and a full complement of radio and other necessary instruments.
The purpose of this paper is to indicate probable design and performance trends and to outline some of the specific problems of carrying air cargo. The conclusions drawn are based upon an actual research study of cargo airplane performance and design criteria, and upon present airline cargo handling experience. These conclusions indicate that present methods and equipment are wholly inadequate for any great extension.
Cargo airplanes, making frequent stops, provide a logical means for transportation of passengers for short distances, or to the major cities where they can be transferred to through flights.
The authors discuss the actual engineering and mechanical problems involved in the handling of air cargo under the following headings: performance cost and size consideration; design for efficient handling of cargo within the airplane; and equipment outside the airplane.
