The Endless Runway

[Puk]

Came across this very interesting news item on Dutch television today:
https://youtu.be/Ufvf0LRLas4

More info on:
http://www.endlessrunway-project.eu

Puk

[Dooga]

... of course, in Commonwealth countries the circling direction would be clock-wise, opposed to any other country in the world

[Paughco]

That would'a been perfect for fully loaded F-105 Thunderchiefs back in the bad ol' days. Somewhere I read the statement that if they built a runway that went around the entire world, Republic would build an aircraft that needed the whole thing.

Seeya
ATB

[dvm]

Would be interesting continually compensating for the wind..Especially in a light aircraft.

[Lewis - A2A]

Would be interesting continually compensating for the wind..Especially in a light aircraft.

engine out situations?

[Piper_EEWL]

The concept is interesting. What I don't understand though is how CATIII approaches should work with the banked runway and also what happens when three aircraft land at the same time and someone has to go around

My guess would be that we're stuck with the straight runway that has more or
Less proven itself for the last 100years...

[Oracle427]

It seems to me that this would double the rate of tire consumption. At a minimum of 3KM wide, does this truly save much space? Then consider how the safety zone must be defined. Instead of just having it at the end of each runway, it must now circle the entire airport.

[Piper_EEWL]

Then consider how the safety zone must be defined. Instead of just having it at the end of each runway, it must now circle the entire airport.

Good point. Also the CTR's and C airspace (B in the US I believe) would have to get a lot bigger. Because you'll have to cover the approach sectors which will be 360degrees around the airport I suppose.

[n421nj]

Definitely a new approach. Sounds great on paper but not sure how it would work in reality.

[dvm]

That would'a been perfect for fully loaded F-105 Thunderchiefs back in the bad ol' days. Somewhere I read the statement that if they built a runway that went around the entire world, Republic would build an aircraft that needed the whole thing.

Seeya
ATB

Here is some trivia for you. My father worked for Republic in the 50s during the F l05 development and production. He had several jobs during his employment. He was an electrician and a sheet metal guy to name a couple. I had a HO train layout that had aircraft grade wiring and switches. He used to complain since he was one of the smallest guys he always got the job of crawling up the tail pipe or other tight places in the aircraft. All the guys who worked for Republic back then hated the F4 since it took their jobs. I remember them talking and bad mouthing the Phantom and what a piece of junk it was..Sour grapes for sure. Archie Bunker had nothing on my dad.