Difference between revisions of "Iso-Plane"

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= ISO-Plane =
+
__NOTOC__
  
−
== Overview ==
+
= ISO-Plane™ =
  
−
The '''ISO-Plane''' is an open collaborative aerospace project aiming to design the smallest dedicated cargo aircraft capable of transporting a single 20-foot ISO container autonomously.
+
{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:14px; background:#f7fbff; padding:18px; margin-bottom:22px;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:62%; vertical-align:top; padding:10px 18px;" |
 +
<span style="font-size:115%; color:#1f5f8b; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:0.04em; text-transform:uppercase;">Container Air Logistics</span>
 +
 
 +
<span style="font-size:260%; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.1; color:#102a43;">One container. One aircraft. One mission.</span>
 +
 
 +
'''ISO-Plane™''' is an open collaborative aerospace project developing a dedicated light cargo aircraft capable of transporting a single '''20-foot ISO container''' with autonomous loading and unloading.
 +
 
 +
Designed around the container — not around conventional palletized cargo — ISO-Plane aims to offer a new operational standard for fast, infrastructure-light air logistics.
 +
 
 +
'''The aircraft concept targets:''' direct transport of one ISO container, autonomous cargo handling from ground or truck trailer, operation from regular landing fields, and multi-role mission capability.
 +
 
 +
[https://www.iso-plane.com www.iso-plane.com]
 +
 
 +
| style="width:38%; vertical-align:middle; padding:10px;" |
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:0; background:white;"
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white; text-align:left;" colspan="2" | Key Figures
 +
|-
 +
| '''Container''' || 1 × 20-foot ISO container
 +
|-
 +
| '''Payload target''' || Up to 8 tons
 +
|-
 +
| '''Range target''' || Up to 6,000 km
 +
|-
 +
| '''Engines''' || 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A
 +
|-
 +
| '''Crew''' || 2 pilots
 +
|-
 +
| '''Development status''' || TRL3 in progress
 +
|}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
----
  
−
The project was initiated in 2012 and is currently developed under the '''Lesser Open Bee License 1.3''', combining academic research, industrial collaboration, and open innovation principles.
+
== Executive Overview ==
  
−
The objective is to create a light, efficient, and operationally autonomous aircraft capable of transporting a standard 20-foot ISO container (up to 8 tons payload) directly from ground or truck to aircraft without external loading infrastructure.
+
The '''ISO-Plane''' is a specialized cargo aircraft concept designed to solve a structural gap in air freight: transporting a standard ISO container without requiring a large military-class aircraft or heavy ground loading infrastructure.
 +
 
 +
Today, aircraft capable of carrying a full ISO container are generally large platforms requiring substantial logistics support. Smaller cargo aircraft are efficient for regional operations but are not built around ISO container geometry. ISO-Plane addresses this gap by placing the 20-foot container at the center of the aircraft architecture.
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border-spacing:14px; margin:18px 0;"
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:12px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;" |
 +
'''Container-first architecture'''
 +
 
 +
The cargo bay, ventral door, lifting system and fuselage diameter are designed around one 20-foot ISO container.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:12px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;" |
 +
'''Autonomous handling'''
 +
 
 +
Loading and unloading can be performed from the ground or directly from a truck trailer using onboard mechanisms.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:12px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;" |
 +
'''Multi-role platform'''
 +
 
 +
The same airframe can support logistics, humanitarian operations, firefighting, medical modules and special missions.
 +
|}
  
 
----
 
----
  
−
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
+
== Product Positioning ==
−
File:Iso plane loading system.png|Autonomous loading system
+
 
−
File:Internal loading.png|Internal cargo integration
+
{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:14px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;"
−
File:Iso plane with mediacal container.png|Medical container mission configuration
+
|-
−
</gallery>
+
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px 18px;" |
 +
=== The Market Gap ===
  
 +
* Large military aircraft can transport ISO containers, but they are expensive, heavy and infrastructure-intensive.
 +
* Smaller regional aircraft cannot accommodate a standard 20-foot ISO container as a native cargo unit.
 +
* Conventional air freight requires palletization, specialized loaders and additional ground operations.
  
−
== Mission Statement ==
+
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px 18px;" |
 +
=== The ISO-Plane Answer ===
  
−
The ISO-Plane addresses a structural gap in air logistics:
+
* Direct air transport of one standard 20-foot ISO container.
 +
* Autonomous loading and unloading without cranes or external loaders.
 +
* Operation from regular landing fields.
 +
* Two-pilot crew with automated cargo handling.
 +
* Mission flexibility through containerized modules.
 +
|}
  
−
* Today, aircraft capable of transporting full ISO containers are large military platforms (e.g., C-130 class).
+
'''ISO-Plane proposes a new paradigm:''' containerized air logistics with minimal ground infrastructure.
−
* Smaller regional cargo aircraft cannot accommodate standard ISO containers.
 
−
* Current air freight requires complex palletization and ground logistics.
 
  
−
'''ISO-Plane proposes a new paradigm:'''
+
----
  
−
* Direct transport of a 20-foot ISO container
+
== Mission Applications ==
−
* Autonomous loading/unloading
+
 
−
* Operation from conventional runways
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
−
* Minimal ground infrastructure
+
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Mission
−
* Two-pilot crew
+
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Operational Value
−
* Potential multi-role capability (including water bombing via container module)
+
|-
 +
| '''Logistics Operations''' || Rapid movement of high-value, urgent or strategic containerized cargo to remote or constrained locations.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Humanitarian Aid / Relief Operations''' || Deployment of medical, shelter, water, energy or communications modules after disasters.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Aerial Firefighting''' || Potential water-bombing capability using a dedicated containerized water module.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Special Missions / Defense Operations''' || Tactical transport of modular systems, sensitive cargo or mobile support infrastructure.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="240">
 +
File:Iso plane loading system.png|Autonomous loading system
 +
File:Internal loading.png|Internal cargo integration
 +
File:Iso plane with mediacal container.png|Medical container mission configuration
 +
</gallery>
  
 
----
 
----
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== Key Technical Characteristics ==
 
== Key Technical Characteristics ==
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
−
! Parameter
+
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Parameter
−
! Value
+
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Value
 +
|-
 +
| '''Container''' || 1 × 20-foot ISO container, ISO 668 standard
 +
|-
 +
| '''Payload''' || Up to 8 tons
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Container
+
| '''Estimated MTOW''' || Approximately 30 tons
−
| 1 × 20-foot ISO container (ISO 668 standard)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Payload
+
| '''Range''' || Up to 6,000 km, mission dependent
−
| Up to 8 tons
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| MTOW (est.)
+
| '''Engines''' || 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engines
−
| ~30 tons
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Range
+
| '''Wing configuration''' || High wing
−
| Up to 6000 km (mission dependent)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Engines
+
| '''Architecture''' || Twin-boom configuration
−
| 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engines
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Wing Configuration
+
| '''Landing gear''' || Q400-derived, retracting into engine nacelles
−
| High wing
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Architecture
+
| '''Cargo bay''' || Pressurized cargo compartment
−
| Twin-boom configuration
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Landing Gear
+
| '''Cargo system''' || Ventral three-panel cargo door and robotic lifting arms
−
| Q400-derived, retracting into engine nacelles
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cargo System
+
| '''Crew''' || Two pilots
−
| Ventral three-panel cargo door + robotic lifting arms
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
----
 
----
  
−
== Cargo Handling Concept ==
+
== Cargo Handling System ==
  
−
The defining innovation of the ISO-Plane is its autonomous container handling system.
+
The defining innovation of the ISO-Plane is its integrated autonomous container handling system.
  
 
=== Ventral Cargo Door ===
 
=== Ventral Cargo Door ===
  
−
The aircraft features a three-panel ventral opening mechanism allowing:
+
The aircraft features a '''three-panel ventral opening mechanism''' designed to provide direct access to the container from below the fuselage.
  
−
* Ground-level loading
+
This system enables:
−
* Direct truck-to-aircraft transfer
+
 
−
* Pressurized cargo bay compatibility
+
* Ground-level loading and unloading.
−
* Structural integrity preservation
+
* Direct truck-to-aircraft transfer.
 +
* Compatibility with a pressurized cargo bay architecture.
 +
* Preservation of structural continuity through separated opening functions.
  
 
=== Robotic Lifting Arms ===
 
=== Robotic Lifting Arms ===
  
−
The container is handled using:
+
The container is handled by onboard mechanized systems:
 +
 
 +
* Four robotic lifting arms.
 +
* ISO corner twist-lock interface.
 +
* Autonomous alignment and positioning logic.
 +
* Backup system using four electric winches.
 +
 
 +
'''Loading scenarios include:'''
 +
 
 +
# Container positioned directly on the ground.
 +
# Container positioned on a truck trailer behind the aircraft.
 +
# Aircraft or truck alignment followed by automatic lifting, locking and securing.
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:14px; background:#f7fbff; padding:16px; margin-top:18px;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''1. Align'''
 +
 
 +
Aircraft and container are aligned using the selected ground scenario.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''2. Open'''
  
−
* Four mechanized robotic arms
+
Rear and ventral cargo doors open to release the container access volume.
−
* ISO corner twist-lock interface
 
−
* Autonomous alignment and positioning
 
−
* Backup winch system (4 electric winches)
 
  
−
This allows loading:
+
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''3. Lock & Lift'''
  
−
* Directly from ground
+
Robotic arms connect to ISO corners and lift the container.
−
* From a truck in reverse alignment
+
 
−
* Without external cranes or loaders
+
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:12px;" |
 +
'''4. Secure'''
 +
 
 +
The container is positioned, locked and prepared for flight.
 +
|}
  
 
----
 
----
Line 106: Line 200:
  
 
=== Engines ===
 
=== Engines ===
−
The selected powerplant is the '''Pratt & Whitney PW150A''' turboprop, chosen for:
 
  
−
* Proven reliability (Q400 platform)
+
The selected powerplant is the '''Pratt & Whitney PW150A''' turboprop, chosen for its compatibility with the targeted aircraft class and its use on the Q400 platform.
−
* Adequate power-to-weight ratio
+
 
−
* Compatibility with ~30t MTOW target
+
Key advantages:
 +
 
 +
* Proven turboprop architecture.
 +
* Power level compatible with an estimated 30-ton MTOW class.
 +
* Integration opportunity with Q400-derived systems.
  
 
=== Landing Gear ===
 
=== Landing Gear ===
−
The main landing gear is derived from the Bombardier Q400:
 
  
−
* Retracts into nacelles below high-mounted wings
+
The main landing gear is derived from the Bombardier Q400.
−
* Preserves ventral cargo bay clearance
+
 
−
* Optimizes aerodynamic efficiency
+
'''Design principle:''' the main landing gear retracts into the nacelles below the high-mounted wings to maintain clearance with the cargo bay.
 +
 
 +
This configuration:
 +
 
 +
* Preserves the ventral cargo opening.
 +
* Avoids interference with the container bay.
 +
* Reduces landing gear leg length compared with a lower fuselage installation.
 +
* Supports the high-wing cargo architecture.
  
 
=== Wing & Structure ===
 
=== Wing & Structure ===
−
* High-wing configuration for ground clearance
+
 
−
* Central wing box optimized for structural continuity
+
The ISO-Plane architecture includes:
−
* Pressurized cockpit and cargo compartment
+
 
−
* 4m fuselage diameter for ISO container integration
+
* High-wing configuration for ground and container clearance.
 +
* Twin-boom layout.
 +
* Central wing box designed for structural continuity.
 +
* Pressurized cockpit and cargo compartment.
 +
* Fuselage diameter sized for ISO container integration.
  
 
----
 
----
  
−
== Technology Readiness & Development ==
+
== Technology Review ==
  
−
The project has evolved through several TRL stages:
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Technology Block
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Purpose
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Status
 +
|-
 +
| '''20-foot container integration''' || Native cargo unit for the aircraft || Validated concept
 +
|-
 +
| '''Ventral three-panel cargo door''' || Ground-level access and container clearance || Selected architecture
 +
|-
 +
| '''Rear cargo door''' || Access and alignment support during loading || Under detailed refinement
 +
|-
 +
| '''Robotic arms''' || Container lifting, stabilization and positioning || Concept validated at TRL2
 +
|-
 +
| '''Twist-lock interface''' || ISO corner fixation and structural locking || Retained principle
 +
|-
 +
| '''PW150A engines''' || Twin-turboprop propulsion || Selected baseline
 +
|-
 +
| '''Q400-derived landing gear''' || Landing gear integration in nacelles || Selected baseline
 +
|}
  
−
* '''TRL0 (2012–2014)''' – Conceptual exploration
+
----
−
* '''TRL1 (2015–2018)''' – Preliminary architecture definition
 
−
* '''TRL2 (2024–2025)''' – Digital mock-up and validated configuration
 
  
−
TRL2 achievements include:
+
== Development Status ==
  
−
* Validated architectural choices
+
The ISO-Plane project is developed through a progressive technology readiness approach.
−
* 3D digital mock-up
 
−
* Structural concept refinement
 
−
* Functional analysis
 
−
* Market and economic study
 
−
* Carbon footprint estimation (operational phase)
 
  
−
The project is currently preparing for '''TRL3 – detailed engineering design'''.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Phase
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Period
 +
! style="background:#102a43; color:white;" | Main Achievements
 +
|-
 +
| '''TRL0''' || 2012–2014 || Initial concept exploration and aircraft architecture studies.
 +
|-
 +
| '''TRL1''' || 2015–2018 || Preliminary architecture definition and early cargo loading concepts.
 +
|-
 +
| '''TRL2''' || 2024–2025 || Digital mock-up, validated architectural choices, functional analysis and cargo loading scenarios.
 +
|-
 +
| '''TRL3''' || 2026 onward || Detailed engineering studies, structural calculations, CFD, FEA and subsystem validation.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''TRL2 achievements include:'''
 +
 
 +
* Validated aircraft configuration.
 +
* 3D digital mock-up.
 +
* Functional analysis.
 +
* Market and economic study.
 +
* Cargo handling scenarios.
 +
* Preliminary carbon footprint estimation.
 +
 
 +
'''TRL3 focus areas include:'''
 +
 
 +
* Detailed structural calculations.
 +
* Aerodynamic refinement.
 +
* Finite Element Analysis.
 +
* CFD studies.
 +
* Cargo door structural validation.
 +
* Detailed lifting mechanism design.
 +
* Industrial partnerships for engines, landing gear and onboard systems.
  
 
----
 
----
Line 150: Line 299:
 
== Collaborative Model ==
 
== Collaborative Model ==
  
−
The ISO-Plane is developed through academic–industrial collaboration including:
+
ISO-Plane is developed as an open collaborative aerospace initiative under the '''Lesser Open Bee License 1.3'''.
  
−
* ESTACA
+
The project combines:
−
* ENSTA Paris
 
−
* Student engineering teams
 
−
* Aerospace professionals
 
  
−
The project is structured around:
+
* Academic engineering contributions.
 +
* Industrial expertise.
 +
* Open technical documentation.
 +
* Architecture-level collaboration.
 +
* Potential private industrial modules integrated around an open core.
  
−
* Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
+
Known contributors and collaboration environments include:
−
* Functional analysis
 
−
* Architecture trade studies
 
−
* Market analysis
 
−
* System integration studies
 
  
−
All open contributions are published under the '''Lesser Open Bee License 1.3'''.
+
* ESTACA.
 +
* ENSTA Paris.
 +
* Student engineering teams.
 +
* Aerospace professionals and technical coordinators.
 +
* Technoplane and Collaborative Bee ecosystem.
  
−
Industrial partners may integrate private modules while preserving the open architecture core.
+
[https://www.iso-plane.com www.iso-plane.com]
  
 
----
 
----
Line 173: Line 323:
 
== Market Positioning ==
 
== Market Positioning ==
  
−
Air cargo represents:
+
The ISO-Plane targets premium and strategic segments where speed, autonomy and direct container compatibility create operational value.
  
−
* ~1% of global freight volume
+
{| style="width:100%; border-spacing:14px; margin:18px 0;"
−
* ~35% of freight value
+
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:12px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;" |
 +
=== Target Users ===
  
−
The ISO-Plane targets:
+
* Logistics operators.
 +
* Humanitarian organizations.
 +
* Defense and civil protection agencies.
 +
* Firefighting operators.
 +
* Industrial operators in remote areas.
 +
* Governments and emergency response organizations.
  
−
* Tactical logistics
+
| style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:12px; background:#ffffff; padding:16px;" |
−
* Remote area supply
+
=== Value Proposition ===
−
* Military container transport
 
−
* Disaster relief operations
 
−
* Firefighting (modular container-based water system)
 
  
−
Preliminary market analysis estimates:
+
* Faster deployment of containerized payloads.
 +
* Less dependence on airport cargo infrastructure.
 +
* Reduced handling complexity.
 +
* Standardized mission modules.
 +
* Flexible aircraft usage across multiple markets.
 +
|}
  
−
* 12 aircraft/year production target
+
Preliminary market analysis has considered a production target around '''12 aircraft per year''' over a 10-year horizon, with a conceptual unit price estimate around '''€130 million'''. These figures remain preliminary and must be refined during business plan development.
−
* 10-year horizon
 
−
* Approx. €130M unit price (conceptual estimation)
 
  
 
----
 
----
Line 196: Line 352:
 
== Environmental Considerations ==
 
== Environmental Considerations ==
  
−
Operational carbon footprint (baseline estimate):
+
Operational carbon footprint studies have been initiated during the concept phase.
  
−
* ~3400 kg fuel per 2-hour mission
+
Baseline assumptions considered:
−
* ~10–11 tons CO₂ per mission
+
 
−
* ~9000–11000 tons CO₂ annually (900 flights/year)
+
* Around 3,400 kg of fuel for a 2-hour mission.
 +
* Around 10–11 tons of CO₂ per mission.
 +
* Around 9,000–11,000 tons of CO₂ annually for approximately 900 flights per year.
  
 
Future development directions include:
 
Future development directions include:
  
−
* Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
+
* Sustainable Aviation Fuel compatibility studies.
−
* Structural weight optimization
+
* Structural weight optimization.
−
* Eco-design principles
+
* Eco-design principles.
−
* Hybridization studies (long-term)
+
* Aerodynamic refinement.
 +
* Long-term hybridization studies.
  
 
----
 
----
  
−
== Future Development ==
+
== Why ISO-Plane? ==
  
−
Next steps (TRL3):
+
{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:14px; background:#102a43; color:white; padding:18px; margin:18px 0;"
 +
|-
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:14px;" |
 +
<span style="font-size:180%; font-weight:bold;">01</span>
 +
 
 +
'''Direct container transport'''
 +
 
 +
A standard 20-foot ISO container becomes an airborne mission module.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:14px;" |
 +
<span style="font-size:180%; font-weight:bold;">02</span>
  
−
* Detailed structural calculations
+
'''Autonomous logistics'''
−
* Aerodynamic refinement
+
 
−
* Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
+
The aircraft carries its own loading and unloading capability.
−
* CFD studies
+
 
−
* Cargo door structural validation
+
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:14px;" |
−
* Detailed lifting mechanism design
+
<span style="font-size:180%; font-weight:bold;">03</span>
−
* Industrial partnerships (engines, landing gear, systems)
+
 
 +
'''Operational flexibility'''
 +
 
 +
One platform can serve logistics, relief, firefighting and special missions.
 +
 
 +
| style="width:25%; vertical-align:top; padding:14px;" |
 +
<span style="font-size:180%; font-weight:bold;">04</span>
 +
 
 +
'''Collaborative innovation'''
 +
 
 +
Open architecture principles help accelerate development and partnerships.
 +
|}
  
 
----
 
----
Line 227: Line 407:
 
== Join the Project ==
 
== Join the Project ==
  
−
ISO-Plane is an open collaborative aerospace initiative.
+
ISO-Plane is an open collaborative aerospace initiative welcoming engineers, students, researchers and industry stakeholders.
 +
 
 +
'''Collaboration opportunities include:'''
  
−
Engineers, students, researchers, and industry stakeholders are welcome to contribute.
+
* Aerodynamic studies.
 +
* Structural sizing.
 +
* Cargo door mechanisms.
 +
* Robotic lifting systems.
 +
* Systems integration.
 +
* Market analysis and business model refinement.
 +
* Certification and industrialization studies.
  
 
For collaboration inquiries and technical documentation:
 
For collaboration inquiries and technical documentation:
−
* www.iso-plane.com
+
 
 +
'''[https://www.iso-plane.com www.iso-plane.com]'''
 +
 
 +
{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #d6e2ef; border-radius:14px; background:#fff8e6; padding:16px; margin-top:20px;"
 +
|-
 +
| '''Programme note:''' ISO-Plane is presented here as a development programme and partnership opportunity. The aircraft is not presented as certified or commercially available for operational service at this stage.
 +
|}
  
 
----
 
----
  
−
''ISO-Plane – Rethinking container air logistics.''
+
''ISO-Plane™ — Rethinking container air logistics.''
 +
 
 +
[[Category:ISO-Plane]]
 +
[[Category:Technoplane]]
 +
[[Category:Open collaborative aerospace project]]

Latest revision as of 16:48, 28 April 2026


ISO-Plane™

Container Air Logistics

One container. One aircraft. One mission.

ISO-Plane™ is an open collaborative aerospace project developing a dedicated light cargo aircraft capable of transporting a single 20-foot ISO container with autonomous loading and unloading.

Designed around the container — not around conventional palletized cargo — ISO-Plane aims to offer a new operational standard for fast, infrastructure-light air logistics.

The aircraft concept targets: direct transport of one ISO container, autonomous cargo handling from ground or truck trailer, operation from regular landing fields, and multi-role mission capability.

www.iso-plane.com

Key Figures
Container 1 × 20-foot ISO container
Payload target Up to 8 tons
Range target Up to 6,000 km
Engines 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A
Crew 2 pilots
Development status TRL3 in progress

Executive Overview

The ISO-Plane is a specialized cargo aircraft concept designed to solve a structural gap in air freight: transporting a standard ISO container without requiring a large military-class aircraft or heavy ground loading infrastructure.

Today, aircraft capable of carrying a full ISO container are generally large platforms requiring substantial logistics support. Smaller cargo aircraft are efficient for regional operations but are not built around ISO container geometry. ISO-Plane addresses this gap by placing the 20-foot container at the center of the aircraft architecture.

Container-first architecture

The cargo bay, ventral door, lifting system and fuselage diameter are designed around one 20-foot ISO container.

Autonomous handling

Loading and unloading can be performed from the ground or directly from a truck trailer using onboard mechanisms.

Multi-role platform

The same airframe can support logistics, humanitarian operations, firefighting, medical modules and special missions.

Product Positioning

The Market Gap

  • Large military aircraft can transport ISO containers, but they are expensive, heavy and infrastructure-intensive.
  • Smaller regional aircraft cannot accommodate a standard 20-foot ISO container as a native cargo unit.
  • Conventional air freight requires palletization, specialized loaders and additional ground operations.

The ISO-Plane Answer

  • Direct air transport of one standard 20-foot ISO container.
  • Autonomous loading and unloading without cranes or external loaders.
  • Operation from regular landing fields.
  • Two-pilot crew with automated cargo handling.
  • Mission flexibility through containerized modules.

ISO-Plane proposes a new paradigm: containerized air logistics with minimal ground infrastructure.

Mission Applications

Mission Operational Value
Logistics Operations Rapid movement of high-value, urgent or strategic containerized cargo to remote or constrained locations.
Humanitarian Aid / Relief Operations Deployment of medical, shelter, water, energy or communications modules after disasters.
Aerial Firefighting Potential water-bombing capability using a dedicated containerized water module.
Special Missions / Defense Operations Tactical transport of modular systems, sensitive cargo or mobile support infrastructure.

  • Autonomous loading system

  • Internal cargo integration

  • Medical container mission configuration

Key Technical Characteristics

Parameter Value
Container 1 × 20-foot ISO container, ISO 668 standard
Payload Up to 8 tons
Estimated MTOW Approximately 30 tons
Range Up to 6,000 km, mission dependent
Engines 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engines
Wing configuration High wing
Architecture Twin-boom configuration
Landing gear Q400-derived, retracting into engine nacelles
Cargo bay Pressurized cargo compartment
Cargo system Ventral three-panel cargo door and robotic lifting arms
Crew Two pilots

Cargo Handling System

The defining innovation of the ISO-Plane is its integrated autonomous container handling system.

Ventral Cargo Door

The aircraft features a three-panel ventral opening mechanism designed to provide direct access to the container from below the fuselage.

This system enables:

  • Ground-level loading and unloading.
  • Direct truck-to-aircraft transfer.
  • Compatibility with a pressurized cargo bay architecture.
  • Preservation of structural continuity through separated opening functions.

Robotic Lifting Arms

The container is handled by onboard mechanized systems:

  • Four robotic lifting arms.
  • ISO corner twist-lock interface.
  • Autonomous alignment and positioning logic.
  • Backup system using four electric winches.

Loading scenarios include:

  1. Container positioned directly on the ground.
  2. Container positioned on a truck trailer behind the aircraft.
  3. Aircraft or truck alignment followed by automatic lifting, locking and securing.

1. Align

Aircraft and container are aligned using the selected ground scenario.

2. Open

Rear and ventral cargo doors open to release the container access volume.

3. Lock & Lift

Robotic arms connect to ISO corners and lift the container.

4. Secure

The container is positioned, locked and prepared for flight.

Aircraft Architecture

Engines

The selected powerplant is the Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop, chosen for its compatibility with the targeted aircraft class and its use on the Q400 platform.

Key advantages:

  • Proven turboprop architecture.
  • Power level compatible with an estimated 30-ton MTOW class.
  • Integration opportunity with Q400-derived systems.

Landing Gear

The main landing gear is derived from the Bombardier Q400.

Design principle: the main landing gear retracts into the nacelles below the high-mounted wings to maintain clearance with the cargo bay.

This configuration:

  • Preserves the ventral cargo opening.
  • Avoids interference with the container bay.
  • Reduces landing gear leg length compared with a lower fuselage installation.
  • Supports the high-wing cargo architecture.

Wing & Structure

The ISO-Plane architecture includes:

  • High-wing configuration for ground and container clearance.
  • Twin-boom layout.
  • Central wing box designed for structural continuity.
  • Pressurized cockpit and cargo compartment.
  • Fuselage diameter sized for ISO container integration.

Technology Review

Technology Block Purpose Status
20-foot container integration Native cargo unit for the aircraft Validated concept
Ventral three-panel cargo door Ground-level access and container clearance Selected architecture
Rear cargo door Access and alignment support during loading Under detailed refinement
Robotic arms Container lifting, stabilization and positioning Concept validated at TRL2
Twist-lock interface ISO corner fixation and structural locking Retained principle
PW150A engines Twin-turboprop propulsion Selected baseline
Q400-derived landing gear Landing gear integration in nacelles Selected baseline

Development Status

The ISO-Plane project is developed through a progressive technology readiness approach.

Phase Period Main Achievements
TRL0 2012–2014 Initial concept exploration and aircraft architecture studies.
TRL1 2015–2018 Preliminary architecture definition and early cargo loading concepts.
TRL2 2024–2025 Digital mock-up, validated architectural choices, functional analysis and cargo loading scenarios.
TRL3 2026 onward Detailed engineering studies, structural calculations, CFD, FEA and subsystem validation.

TRL2 achievements include:

  • Validated aircraft configuration.
  • 3D digital mock-up.
  • Functional analysis.
  • Market and economic study.
  • Cargo handling scenarios.
  • Preliminary carbon footprint estimation.

TRL3 focus areas include:

  • Detailed structural calculations.
  • Aerodynamic refinement.
  • Finite Element Analysis.
  • CFD studies.
  • Cargo door structural validation.
  • Detailed lifting mechanism design.
  • Industrial partnerships for engines, landing gear and onboard systems.

Collaborative Model

ISO-Plane is developed as an open collaborative aerospace initiative under the Lesser Open Bee License 1.3.

The project combines:

  • Academic engineering contributions.
  • Industrial expertise.
  • Open technical documentation.
  • Architecture-level collaboration.
  • Potential private industrial modules integrated around an open core.

Known contributors and collaboration environments include:

  • ESTACA.
  • ENSTA Paris.
  • Student engineering teams.
  • Aerospace professionals and technical coordinators.
  • Technoplane and Collaborative Bee ecosystem.

www.iso-plane.com

Market Positioning

The ISO-Plane targets premium and strategic segments where speed, autonomy and direct container compatibility create operational value.

Target Users

  • Logistics operators.
  • Humanitarian organizations.
  • Defense and civil protection agencies.
  • Firefighting operators.
  • Industrial operators in remote areas.
  • Governments and emergency response organizations.

Value Proposition

  • Faster deployment of containerized payloads.
  • Less dependence on airport cargo infrastructure.
  • Reduced handling complexity.
  • Standardized mission modules.
  • Flexible aircraft usage across multiple markets.

Preliminary market analysis has considered a production target around 12 aircraft per year over a 10-year horizon, with a conceptual unit price estimate around €130 million. These figures remain preliminary and must be refined during business plan development.

Environmental Considerations

Operational carbon footprint studies have been initiated during the concept phase.

Baseline assumptions considered:

  • Around 3,400 kg of fuel for a 2-hour mission.
  • Around 10–11 tons of CO₂ per mission.
  • Around 9,000–11,000 tons of CO₂ annually for approximately 900 flights per year.

Future development directions include:

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel compatibility studies.
  • Structural weight optimization.
  • Eco-design principles.
  • Aerodynamic refinement.
  • Long-term hybridization studies.

Why ISO-Plane?

01

Direct container transport

A standard 20-foot ISO container becomes an airborne mission module.

02

Autonomous logistics

The aircraft carries its own loading and unloading capability.

03

Operational flexibility

One platform can serve logistics, relief, firefighting and special missions.

04

Collaborative innovation

Open architecture principles help accelerate development and partnerships.

Join the Project

ISO-Plane is an open collaborative aerospace initiative welcoming engineers, students, researchers and industry stakeholders.

Collaboration opportunities include:

  • Aerodynamic studies.
  • Structural sizing.
  • Cargo door mechanisms.
  • Robotic lifting systems.
  • Systems integration.
  • Market analysis and business model refinement.
  • Certification and industrialization studies.

For collaboration inquiries and technical documentation:

www.iso-plane.com

Programme note: ISO-Plane is presented here as a development programme and partnership opportunity. The aircraft is not presented as certified or commercially available for operational service at this stage.

ISO-Plane™ — Rethinking container air logistics.

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