Why do some cargo planes have their cargo ramp as part of their nose rather than under their tail, as traditional?
In: Engineering
It can be an efficient way to maximize space depending on the design of the plane
Another reason: so you can load and/or unload from both ends at once. Some larger airlifters (usually military) are able to kneel down so that either end is closer to the ground.
Also, given the shape of the front and rear of this kind of aircraft, it may also be easier to get a larger bit of cargo into a front opening instead of rear.
Some large planes have the tail section much higher off the ground.
The weight bearing structures and wheels are towards the front. This makes front access better.
The lowest point on the plane (low center of gravity and most stable ride) is also nearest the front. This makes front access better.
High clearance for the wings and massive engines happens when the wings are very high on the plane. This tends to work best with most of the hardware closer to the front, including front access to the cargo bay.
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