Aircraft system towing gliders to carry cargo in the air

The American startup develops a cargo system consisting of an aircraft towing a cargo glider behind with connecting wires, helping to significantly save transportation costs.

The glider towing aircraft system significantly reduces the cost of transporting goods by air. Photo: Aerolane

Aerolane, a startup based in Texas, USA, found a method that can reduce up to 65% of air freight costs, New Atlas reported on March 18. The company plans to use aircraft to tow automated cargo gliders behind it. Thus, the plane can carry double or triple the amount of cargo compared to normal.

The new system is inspired by the gliders that transported soldiers and equipment during World War II. Aerolane said the automatic cargo glider, named Aerocart, connects to the aircraft with a simple tow rope. The glider has no propulsion system, which means the entire weight of the engine, fuel or batteries is reduced. This vehicle also does not have a cabin for the pilot, only space for cargo and an automatic flight control system.

The Aerocart will be pulled along the runway by the plane. It takes off with the plane, then connects by wire throughout the journey, automatically gliding behind it for minimal drag and maximum lift. It will land directly behind the plane while still tethered, or disconnect at a suitable location to land on its own, landing on a completely different runway.

Aerolane has been flying two glider prototypes since 2022. Both use Aerolane's autopilot system, which is specifically designed to glide effectively behind the aircraft. They are still equipped with engines, but Aerolane is working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to get a license to build aircraft without a powertrain, using lightweight materials. The company aims to create a 3-ton cargo glider, followed by a 10-ton version.

Although no early customers have booked yet, Aerolane has received about $11.5 million in investment and aims to offer service by 2025. As prototypes become standard, the idea of ​​"airspeed with the company's ground costs" is likely to attract great interest from freight carriers.