Gemini 1-ton, amphibious, off-highway, air-transportable vehicle: concept evaluation program
Abstract
This report presents the results of testing a full-scale, mock-up chassis representative of a 1-ton, amphibious, off-highway, air-transportable vehicle which utilizes air cushion principles to permit mobility in low-bearing terrain otherwise impassible by a wheeled vehicle. As the main objective of the program was to demonstrate mobility in low bearing terrain, the test vehicle was purely a wheeled platform lacking steering and other essential features of the final version. The test platform was subjected to tests in prepared clay beds of low cone index and also in F1 type muskeg impassable to normal wheeled vehicles. In addition, tests were made on a level hard surface to measure air cushion lift as a function of height. The clay and muskeg testing demonstrated that air cushion assistance can make mobility possible under conditions which would immobilize conventional wheeled vehicles. Also given are the results of the muskeg testing conducted by the Organic and Associated Terrain Research Unit of McMaster University of Hamilton, Ontario. The hard surface tests gave results which indicated reasonably good agreement with accepted air cushion theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0607345