Low Speed Aerodynamic Characteristics of an A-4 Aircraft with an Air Cushion Landing System

Abstract

The effect of a twin trunk air cushion landing gear system on the stability and control of an A-4 type aircraft was evaluated through an exploratory wind tunnel program. The active air cushion in ground effect conditions was found to reduce both drag and the static margin and markedly degrade the directional stability characteristics of the 22 percent scale wind tunnel model. However, the modified aircraft retains adequate longitudinal stability and both the flaps and stabilizer controls are effective and adequate for trimming the aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0761621

Entities

People

  • David G. Lee
  • David W Taylor
  • H. D. Davidson Jr.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Air Pressure
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Control Surfaces
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Flow
  • Flow Rate
  • Ground Effect
  • Horizontal Stabilizers
  • Landing Gear
  • Models
  • Navy Aircraft
  • Surfaces
  • Vertical Stabilizers
  • Wind Tunnel Models
  • Wind Tunnels

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Aerospace Engineering