TRACK TYPE LANDING GEAR STUDIES.
Abstract
Past history and analytical projection of obstacle negotiation capability to modern day operational requirements provide insight into the suitability of past track gear concepts. The concept bases for past track gear designs are inherently incapable of sufficient dynamic response to afford obstacle negotiation capabilities at the operational speeds for past and present day heavy cargo aircraft. A concept of obstacle swallowing by a pneumatically inflated track belt is a necessary aspect of past or projected track gear design for obstacle negotiation at takeoff and landing speeds. Pneumatic track belts of sufficient depth and deformability of cross-section to permit obstacle swallowing do not exist today as developed items of demonstrated capabilities adequate to the problem at hand. Concepts are proposed which, if successfully developed to cope with structural and speed of operation requirements, would be able to swallow obstacles. The most promising concept utilizes transversely arranged cells inflated to ground support pressure. Any further development of track gears should be directed toward this type of concept. Derailing of the track, a common failing of past concepts, remains unsolved for new concepts as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0816585
Entities
People
- A. L. Courtney
- F. J. Steinke
- T. C. Delker