News / Cargo-carrying gliders could save 65% of aviation fuel costs, says US developer

A company called Aerolane believes some 65% of aviation fuel costs could be reduced using ’cargo gliders’ towed behind a lead aircraft like an HGV trailer.

With designs undergoing tests at an ex-USAF airfield in Texas, Aerolane plans to begin making the gliders commercially available next year, contingent on FAA approval.

The company has so far raised around $11.5m in seed funding for a three-ton capacity autonomously piloted Aerocart glider, and aims to follow this up with a 10-ton capacity unit.

Aerolane said ...