Flotspotting: U. of Glasgow Team's Horizon Modular Airplane System Looks Even Better than the Clip-Air
By Rain Noe - Jun 27, 2013
Following our entry on the Clip-Air modular airplane concept, eagle-eyed reader Danny Harkin pointed out that he'd seen a similar concept—in the pages of our very own Coroflot. Turns out Mason Holden, Ewan Alston, Andrew Flynn and Martin Keane, all Product Design Engineering students at the University of Glasgow, worked on an Airbus-sponsored project for aviation conglomerate Bauhaus Luftfahrt with a similar solution.
Similar though they may be, and apparently developed separately, the U. of Glasgow project is much better-presented, a little more deeply thought out, and certainly contains stronger renderings than the Clip-Air pitch. The Horizon System, as the U. of Glasgow project is called, features passenger pods kitted out like actual passenger trains; these circulate on an elevated track throughout the city center, taking on riders closer to home.
These train-like pods then congregate at the airport, where they begin hurtling down the runway in synchronicity with an approaching "flying wing"-style aircraft.
Intriguingly, the aircraft swoops down and releases a series of pods for arrival, simultaneously scooping up the departure pods, without landing. Talk about a quick turnaround time. And the pods themselves carry the batteries, meaning the very act of scooping up the departures is what refuels the aircraft. (Presumably it lands at some point for maintenance.)
The in-flight experience is also a bit better-conceived than the Clip-Air concept. With the Horizon, passengers have some means of accessing the main aircraft from their individual pods. The center front of the aircraft is kitted out with a lounge-type environment. Perhaps the entire craft is a pilotless drone, or the cockpit is off to one side.
Still not impressed? Check out the pitch video that the U. of Glasgow team produced:
Amazing work, guys!
Rain Noe
Rain Noe is a writer and industrial designer based in New York City.
7 Comments
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Hey guys, Chris: the baggage travels with the pods (behind the seating area) for the whole journey. Doug: we are assuming that by 2050 these planes could be fully controlled by an intelligent computer system so there is no need for accurate pilots. Also we have proposed that during the exchange the plane would 'dock' into a flux pinning maglev system that would help to stabilise everything, especially during bad weather. And finally, a door closes beneath the pods in flight to give the passengers some peace of mind! Also, for anyone interested, the other team members are myself (ewanalston.com), Andrew (coroflot.com/andrewflynn) and Martin (coroflot.com/martinkeane)!Report as spam
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Ah, Doug, don't be such a spoilsport! Those are technical issues that can be resolved. The idea's a neat one though. Great work!!Report as spam
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Great concept however, this system would require an incredibly accurate pilot in order to pick these units up with our causing them to collide or crashing the aircraft. Not to mention, if one of those clamps has a failure, the pod is dropped. Not sure how many consumers would be on board with this.!Report as spam
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Great Work! The Product Design Engineering course is a joint programme run by the Glasgow School of Art and University of Glasgow. Have a look at the grads show: www.pdedegreeshow.com!Report as spam
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Luv the eye candy but we cant even get a decent rail system in the US.!Report as spam
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Wow, what a fascinating concept! Very impressive indeed. So inspiring to come across such inventive young lads who want to push innovation forward.!Report as spam
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All kinds of awesome. Perhaps I missed it, but how does the baggage get to the destination? Also, is that the music from TRON?!Report as spam
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