It is predicted that world air cargo traffic will more than double in the next 20 years. Is it possible that this growth is only supported by freighter aircraft that are converted from existing plane designs?
In this public lecture by Prof. Dieter Schmitt, we will discuss the overview of the freighter market and the future market forecast, followed by the concept of the “Ecolifter”. In the year 2000, several European Universities had started with a design for a specific freighter aircraft, called the “Ecolifter”. This concept had been presented to specific freight forwarders and airlines and had fairly positive feedback. However, established airline manufacturers had other thoughts. A further study has now been proposed on the basis of a “joint wing”-configuration, which shows some specific advantages for a freighter concept. Some lessons learnt from the Ecolifter study will also be given at the public lecture.
