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they are supposedly trialling super-convoys in the UK - where a truck or van equipped with the right electronics controls 5 or 6 trailing cars using driver aids
by ErrantX 17y ago
they are supposedly trialling super-convoys in the UK - where a truck or van equipped with the right electronics controls 5 or 6 trailing cars using driver aids an auto pilot.
I'm told it's a success so far (by someone working on the project) so it might not be utter bunk to transfer it to planes - who already make extensive use of "driver aids" and auto pilots.
- JshWright 17y agoThose system still seem to have some obvious safety issues... Yes, the convoy vehicles can all brake in unison, but what about mechanical failures that would slow the vehicle faster than trailing vehicles could safely brake? While I can't think of a single incident of a jumbo jet experiencing a spontaneous catastrophic failure during a flight mode when drafting would be useful (@ cruising altitude, in clear weather, etc); I'm sure such events have and will occur. Doubling or tripling the possible number of casualties in such an incident seems like something that should be given a whole lot of thought... (fortunately it looks like they're doing just that)
- quellhorst 17y agoThere is something called a rail road that does similar things but requires less tech and is still safer.