Originally Posted by
hans brinker
Interesting idea. From the article:
The JFK system is located adjacent to Hangar 12, the former TWA aircraft maintenance facility – a 12-minute taxi ride away from the winter departure runway 4L/22R.
“The Port Authority requires that during major storms, every plane must have a departure slot before it is allowed to come out for deicing. The Port Authority and the control tower liason so planes should then be able to go directly to the runway for takeoff,” says Sharkey. Louis adds, “You have a clear shot to the end of the runway after you deice.”
“We are looking for an average complete throughput time of under 15 minutes for a B-747.
So to achieve departures at 2 minute intervals would require at least 7 of these systems in parallel close to each departure threshold. Where would these fit at most international airports? A quick look at Google Earth doesn't show much spare space available at most airports. Certainly it would be un-economic use of real estate in the UK where de-icing might only be required for a few tens of days per year. Where would 14 or 16 of these be located at Heathrow and at Gatwick?
In comparison, a fleet of de-icing rigs are far cheaper to buy, are mobile to get to wherever planes are parked to work in parallel, and can be parked in a very small space during the warmer months taking almost no space.
Don't get me wrong - the proposed buildings appear a good idea at first glance, however there will be some big hurdles to overcome purely because of their size, and the number required for effective operation.