Circular runways

[bristolracer]

An interesting idea

Who is going to have the balls to sign a cheque for one?



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-39284294

[john2443]

I just saw that and am having trouble getting my head round it!

But it would be good for high speed Top Gear type tests 10ish k long banked track!

[hman]

Is it april 1st?

Its tricky enough trying to land on a straight runway in a strong cross wind - imagine adding in a constant right hand banked turn.

Dont be silly.

[0000]

I quite like the idea. Has some merits, even if some obvious downsides.

Can't see it taking off though.

[bristolracer]

hman said:

Is it april 1st?

Its tricky enough trying to land on a straight runway in a strong cross wind - imagine adding in a constant right hand banked turn.

Dont be silly.

Ah but the point is there won't be a sidewind, your final approach will always be into the wind.

[HughG]

Means the pilot has to land in an exact spot rather than a 500-1000m long target line. Won't happen

[Simpo Two]

'Personal takes on how to fix the world'? I can think of more important things.

[aeropilot]

How the hell would you install/setup the ILS and lord knows what else etc,...!!??!!??

[Rubymurray]

aeropilot said:

How the hell would you install/setup the ILS and lord knows what else etc,...!!??!!??

Could shift to a gps based RNAV approach?

Can't see this type of runway being built anytime soon though, far too much risk of something going wrong!

[FourWheelDrift]

http://www.endlessrunway-project.eu/

"Last updated on Monday, March 09, 2015 at 4:41:43 PM "

Been busy then.

[Buzz84]

bristolracer said:

hman said:

Is it april 1st?

Its tricky enough trying to land on a straight runway in a strong cross wind - imagine adding in a constant right hand banked turn.

Dont be silly.

Ah but the point is there won't be a sidewind, your final approach will always be into the wind.

In the video they say that 3 planes can use the runway simultaneously, so each would taking off or landing on their own third of the circle. so only one will be able to be aligned with the wind.

[Wobbegong]

But crosswinds are fun...

[Dr Interceptor]

Why wouldn't you just have three straight runways?

[IanH755]

Why don't you just have a 2 mile diameter circle of concrete instead, then you can land at any wind angle. Or what about a standard runway but mounted on a turntable so it can be spun into the wind at any time? Both are just as daft as this idea

[RedWhiteMonkey]

You just need a giant treadmill.

[aeropilot]

Dr Interceptor said:

Why wouldn't you just have three straight runways?

Something like a 'star of David' layout would be optimal.

Just like this perhaps....?

[The Big G]

aeropilot said:

Something like a 'star of David' layout would be optimal.

Just like this perhaps....?

LHR doesn't quite look like that anymore!!!!

Runways do make sense though

[eldar]

Directional conveyor belt.

[Aeroresh]

How would ILS work since its 2 axis straight lines? Strikes me its been invented by someone who's not a pilot

[Krikkit]

Aeroresh said:

How would ILS work since its 2 axis straight lines? Strikes me its been invented by someone who's not a pilot

Incline the planes slightly as you come in closer?