Huh...that's actually a great idea. I never thought about it for commercial liners.
I'm sure Boeing or Airbus could create prototype liners and only have a few airports with catapults built into the airstrips. You could save a considerable amount of energy if it's designed correctly. Plus airplane tires have to be replaced very frequently. It could reduce takeoff wear as well.
I'm sure Boeing or Airbus could create prototype liners and only have a few airports with catapults built into the airstrips. You could save a considerable amount of energy if it's designed correctly. Plus airplane tires have to be replaced very frequently. It could reduce takeoff wear as well.