FLOTATION AND PROPULSION TEST T-116,
Abstract
Floatation and propulsion tests were performed on the T116 Vehicle to determine the advantages and disadvantages of providing an air chamber around the top half of the tracks thereby allowing the tracks to return through air instead of water, and to collect basic data on track thrust and hull resistance. The conclusions are: (1) The engine exhaust can be used to create a captured air bubble under a hull. Buoyancy thus obtained could provide floating capabilities for some vehicles that now have only fording capabilities. The back pressure on the engine exhaust is less than the back pressure created by most mufflers. (2) With the arrangement tested, propulsive efficiency of the track in the air cell was less than in conventional operation. (3) A nine percent (9%) increase in speed can be realized by coupling two (2) vehicles in tandem. A means of steering is necessary since track steering is unsatisfactory. (4) A nylon sheet lying on top of the tracks provides an effective and inexpensive means of improving maneuverability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0651990
Entities
People
- Eldor Hultgren