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.

http://cdn.panrotas.com.br/media-fil...rero060213.jpg

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.

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

At last, a runway that will suit my approaches..........:)

I think everyone understands the concept. If there is money available to research barmy ideas, why not take it?

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.

Effect of rainfall/snowfall ?

so you lose your nose gear steering for whatever reason and end up at your local airport tesco's.. what a brilliant idea

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!!!!!!

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.

There was one at Stifkey (Norfolk, UK). Used by the military
for launching target drones. I suppose landing may not have
been a problem for them.

Surely all you need is a large conveyor belt that can be rotated into wind?

Hmmm... I'm not sure you'd get high or far with a 220kt groundspeed and zero airspeed... :E

how many ILS's would there be or would there just be one that rotated as well?

I vote for reduced runway length use by installing catapult systems on all thresholds and arrester gears at each end!

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.

At least you can get rid of the V1 call now

Nothing new, early aviation started flying from big fields, didn't it ? Just take off into wind.

Unlimited TODA

Unlimited ASDA and LDA, too.


And posters claim the BBC is a valid source of news