STOL Tactical Aircraft Investigation. Volume VI. Air Cushion Landing System Study

Abstract

Analyses and design studies have been conducted to determine the characteristics of an Air Cushion Landing System (ACLS) as it would be applied to an Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) equipped with mechanical flaps and a vectored thrust powered lift system. It was determined that an ACLS would be feasible on an AMST type airplane, but requires a special housing arrangement which broadens the ACLS footprint area when it is deployed. Furthermore, special provisions are needed for ground handling and parking. Because it eliminates some of the concentrated loads associated with conventional landing gear, and is easily faired for low drag when retracted, the ACLS would permit a noticeable reduction in aircraft empty weight for a given mission requirement, if structural provisions for conventional landing gear are not included in the airframe. Substantial uncertainties remain unresolved especially with respect to aircraft/air cushion landing dynamics and spray/debris effects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0766644

Entities

People

  • Charles J. Pizzichemi
  • Lloyd H. Gardner
  • Peter Milns

Organizations

  • Boeing

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Air Force
  • Air Supplies
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Drop Tests
  • Friction
  • Fuselages
  • Ground Effect
  • Ground Effect Machines
  • Landing Fields
  • Landing Gear
  • Maintenance
  • Nose Wheels
  • Tactical Aircraft
  • Transport Aircraft

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering