AN INVESTIGATION OF VTOL OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS DUE TO DOWNWASH EFFECTS

Abstract

Operational problems of VTOL type aircraft caused by downwash effects were investigated utilizing a 3500 horsepower engine and a 15 ft diameter propeller mounted on a 20 ton crane. Results are presented for various propeller disc loadings up to 60 pounds per square foot, for several types of terrain and for various propeller heights and orientation above the terrain. The effects on pilot vision, ground personnel, equipment, aircraft and on aircraft concealment are presented. The effects of downwash were found to be a major operational problem which co ld limit the operational utility of VTOL aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 12, 1961
Accession Number
AD0264560

Entities

People

  • R. Pruyn

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Filters
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Auxiliary Power Units
  • Diameters
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Flow
  • Geometry
  • Instrumentation
  • Measurement
  • Particle Size
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Propellers
  • Static Pressure
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.