After Action Report, CH-47 Recovery Using D-PAAC.
Abstract
On 12 July 1985, a request was made through U.S. Army channels for use of the D-PAAC in a recovery operation for a crashed CH-47D. The aircraft has been on a test flight out of Boeing-Vertol plant airfield in Chester, PA, and had crashed in a fish and wildlife management area on the New Jersey shore and of the Delaware river. It was imperative that recovery operations be conducted with minimal damage to the environment and as quickly as possible. This report will cover the period from 13-21 July and will address the period in three sections. The first will cover preparation and movement from Duck, NC, to Chester, PA. The second will cover preparation at Chester, PA, and movement to the crash site. The third will cover operations at the crash site and movement out of the area. It should be noted at the outset that the D-PAAC operated on cushions at all times unless otherwise noted. While it is impractical to draw definite conclusions from this operation, it appears that the concept of using air cushion craft for heavy lift recovery operations in terrain which offers no other accessibility was partially validated. Also, the feasibility of towing an air cushion vehicle over water by conventional tug in an inland waterway operation was proven. It must also be concluded that improved propulsion means are required as well as some self-recovery capability (on-board winch) to improve useability of future craft similiar to the D-PAAC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161935