Circular Runways?
Joined: Aug 2001
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 165
From: se england
Where do you put the passenegr terminals-in the centre a la Heathrow or round the sides of what would be a pretty big radius area so solving the aeronautical bits might actually be easier than sorting out what happens to the ground side structures and operations.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: LPPT
Ok, I've just re invented the circular runway, this time with a twist - a vertical one.
Its main advantages: same runway lenght in a short space, no more worries abount crosswinds because the system will self align into the wind, and last but not least, more fun for the pax (and lo-cos can charge more for it too!).
Any EU funding will be very appreciated, thank you.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17,723
Likes: 2,088
From: Reading, UK
From the BBC clip about the researcher:
"He was inspired by watching scary crosswind landings on YouTube."
Hmmm.
Think again: Will circular runways ever take off? - BBC News
"He was inspired by watching scary crosswind landings on YouTube."
Hmmm.
Think again: Will circular runways ever take off? - BBC News
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: UK
Rather than scoffing from obvious superiority it might be worth first checking out their website: Documents
They actually answer a few of the points raised here (unsurprisingly). No matter how barmy the idea it's still not really on to go in guns-blazing without first putting in at least minimal effort to understand the concept.
They actually answer a few of the points raised here (unsurprisingly). No matter how barmy the idea it's still not really on to go in guns-blazing without first putting in at least minimal effort to understand the concept.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 630
Likes: 187
From: Netherlands
Maybe we should propose a big floating airport in the sea. Like a 3km long aircraft carrier with two parallel runways 1.5 km apart. Kind of like Heathrow at Sea.
Landside access is a bit of an issue through.
Landside access is a bit of an issue through.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
From: Near sheep!
Am I the only one loving the idea of this?
The purpose of a touchdown zone is for stopping distance. You could just keep going and correct appropriately to land wherever you need to.
Ridiculous comments about ILS etc. Modern GPS would eliminate the need for this.
The only challenge for me is wind consistency as you travel around the corner.
A marvel of an idea....good luck to them!!!!!!
The purpose of a touchdown zone is for stopping distance. You could just keep going and correct appropriately to land wherever you need to.
Ridiculous comments about ILS etc. Modern GPS would eliminate the need for this.
The only challenge for me is wind consistency as you travel around the corner.
A marvel of an idea....good luck to them!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: The MEL page
High speed loss of thrust below V1 on critical engine + track banked downwards at 10+ degrees. What a brilliant idea that can't possibly go wrong.
Not to mention how completely absurd any plates, CTR/CTA and separation design would be. Good luck designing 360 degrees worth of missed approaches to ICAO spec.
Landing on a banked surface with gear not downlocked? Cartwheels. Dead.
Not to mention how completely absurd any plates, CTR/CTA and separation design would be. Good luck designing 360 degrees worth of missed approaches to ICAO spec.
Landing on a banked surface with gear not downlocked? Cartwheels. Dead.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,991
Likes: 8
From: UK
Snow clearance could be interesting.
How about drainage during/after heavy rain? Camber on "normal" runways and other devices encourage drainage from the middle of the runway. I don't fancy the idea of aquaplaning off the side of the circular runway.
How about drainage during/after heavy rain? Camber on "normal" runways and other devices encourage drainage from the middle of the runway. I don't fancy the idea of aquaplaning off the side of the circular runway.
