Magpie Aviation says it has successfully demonstrated the world’s first automated aircraft tug, or “aerotow,” connecting two airplanes mid-flight. In theory, the company says the aerotowing concept could enable large electric passenger airplanes to fly farther by connecting with smaller, uncrewed airplanes packed full of batteries.
With Magpie’s concept, an autonomous tow aircraft would grapple a passenger airplane’s nose with an “active hook” before tugging it along through the atmosphere. While the airplane is being towed, it can idle to preserve power, providing passengers with a “smooth and quiet” ride, Magpie claims. For longer flights, multiple tow aircraft could take turns escorting the passenger airplane, taking off from different airports along the way.
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