The Challenge for Improved Air Cargo Capability

The demands for large cargo airlift to the year 2000 are examined. The near and mid-term military needs require a substantial airlift improvement program. Mid-term emphasis must be for efficient, new civil capacity that can meet military emergency needs. The size of the air cargo business appears to still dictate use of a passenger derivative aircraft in this time period--rather than a dedicated airfreighter. Military airlift commonality problems of loading heavy, outsize equipment must be resolved during the new aircraft design. The far-term airlift needs are for greater worldwide capability, which requires new technology and possibly a new aircraft configuration.