The Curved Runway: A Hypothetical Reimagining of Aircraft Runways

If the aircraft runway were like a teaspoon by this I mean flat in the beginning, then curving downwards and finally upwards, would it not work in favor of the propulsion of the aircraft? Despite this, why are the runways flat?

Imagine yoursquo;re driving on a straight highway and you reach a point where the road starts upward - a hill. Notice that in order to keep the same speed you have to press on the gas pedal. If you donrsquo;t, the car will slow down. Thatrsquo;s the same principle as having a runway with an upward slant. It actually would increase the length of runway required to take off.

Additionally, there are times when most or possibly every runway requires taking off and landing in the opposite direction than normal operations. That means that an airplane landing in the opposite direction would encounter this upturned lip and that could be dangerous. Some aircraft carriers do have this upward lip on the departure end of the flight deck. However, these ships are designed to operate vertical take-off aircraft, and as such, the lip helps the VTOL aircraftrsquo;s take-offs.

Runways Are Not Always Flat

First off, runways are not always flat. Some are crowned in the middle such that you could have aircraft taking off towards each other from both ends without seeing each other until they were well along. This wouldnrsquo;t happen at a controlled field, just at an uncontrolled one. Many runways are higher at one end than the other so much so that aircraft always land uphill and take off downhill regardless of the wind. The reason for all of this is the shape of the land on which the airport was built. A flat runway is best, but sometimes the airport builder cannot afford to move as much earth as would be necessary to make it flat.

Two Major Problems with the Idea

However, there are two significant problems with this idea:

1. Working in Both Directions

Runways have to work in both directions because aircraft take off and land into the wind, and the wind can blow from any direction. Thus, the design you suggest would work for operations in one direction but not the other. This could lead to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.

2. Landings Would Be More Challenging

The downhill bit you propose would assist takeoff but would make it harder to stop on landing. Stoppages are critical for aircraft safety, and the increased difficulty in landing could lead to an increased risk of accidents.

Best Design: Flat and Symmetrical

So - flat and symmetrical is best. Flat runways provide a consistent and less challenging surface for both takeoff and landing. They reduce the risk of accidents and provide a more efficient use of runway space.

While the concept of a curved runway might seem innovative and advantageous, the practical considerations of safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility make a flat and symmetrical runway the standard design in the aviation industry.