Motorcycle pod

Motorcycle pod
Prototype motorcycle pod at Airventure.

A motorcycle pod is a specialized container that allows the pilot of an aircraft to carry a street-legal motorcycle in a relatively safe way. After landing, the pilot may remove the motorcycle, unfold the handlebars and ride away. The motorcycle allows pilots to reach off-field destinations and provides one possible solution to the ground transportation problem.

Contents

Background

As many airports are located at a comparatively huge distance from the nearest built-up area, pilots of small aircraft require ground transportation to reach most destinations. However, ground transportation services are not always available at small airports. Even where available, ground transportation services are subject to inter-modal delays (i.e. waiting for a bus) that increase trip times. Approximately 19% of pilots currently own motorcycles [1] and the motorcycle pod is intended to provide them with a fun and practical solution.

Other proposed solutions include the roadable aircraft, a dual-use vehicle with the ability to both drive and fly. The personal air vehicle might someday utilize an infrastructure of residential airports, allowing pilots to land close to their destinations. VTOL aircraft may land at the final destination and possibly eliminate the need for ground transportation.

Development

MotoPOD LLC developed the first motorcycle pods in 2007. The prototype motorcycle pods accommodated a modified 225cc motorcycle. The motorcycle could carry a passenger and reach speeds of 85 mph. The pods were constructed from composite materials and attached to the belly of the airplane. An integral winch system assisted with loading/unloading the motorcycle and eliminated heavy lifting. The company has developed a production version for the Vans RV-10 and certified installations are planned for the Cessna 182 and Cirrus SR22.

See also

References

  1. ^ AOPA 2008 Reader Survey

External links


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Motorcycle racing — Two motorcycles racing at Lydden Highest governing body FIM First played November 29, 1895 Characteristics Mixed gende …   Wikipedia

  • Martín Cárdenas (motorcycle racer) — Martín Cárdenas Nationality Colombian Born Medellín, Colombia …   Wikipedia

  • Danny Webb (motorcycle racer) — Danny Webb Webb at a promotional event at Lord s Cricket Ground in 2010. Born March 22, 1991 (1991 03 22) …   Wikipedia

  • Claudio Corti (motorcycle racer) — Claudio Corti Corti at the 2010 Dutch TT. Nationality …   Wikipedia

  • Miguel Oliveira (motorcycle racer) — For other people named Miguel Oliveira, see Miguel Oliveira (disambiguation). Miguel Oliveira Nationality Portuguese …   Wikipedia

  • Flying car (aircraft) — For other uses, see: Flying car. For non real (fictional) flying cars, see: Flying car (fiction). Moller Skycar M400 to the right, next to older Moller models …   Wikipedia

  • Intermodal passenger transport — involves more than one mode of transport of passengers. Some modes of transportation have always been intermodal; for example, most major airports have extensive facilities for automobile parking and have good rail or bus connections to the… …   Wikipedia

  • Nicky Hayden — Hayden in 2009. Nationality American Born July 30, 1981 (1981 0 …   Wikipedia

  • Colin Edwards — Nationality American Born February 27, 1974 (1974 02 27) (age 37) …   Wikipedia

  • Marco Melandri — Nationality Italian Born August 7, 1982 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”