Trailing Wire System Applied Research
Abstract
Analytical investigations into the physics of trailing long cables from fixed wing aircraft with the intent of establishing the practicality of long range, rapid reaction time, man rescue systems were conducted. A prototype system capable of towing loads up to 500 pounds at reel rates of 1000 feet per minute and with cable lengths up to 20,000 feet, was built and instrumented by personnel in the Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics and Materials, Air Force Academy CO. The system was flight tested on board a C-130B aircraft at El Centro NAS CA. Tactics for deployment of the cable system over the ground target were developed and system operation data was collected during the flight test program. Data verifying the acceptability of the mathematical model was obtained, subsequent flight test requirements to determine operational capabilities are defined, and probable roles for the Trailing Wire System in the areas of long range man rescue as well as deployment of low altitude terrain surveillance equipment are established.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0778678
Entities
People
- Henry E. Keck