Aircraft Operations from Runways with Inclined Ramps (Ski-Jump)

Abstract

The use of inclined ramps to launch aircraft from short runways is proposed as a possible solution to the runway denial problem in Europe. Past efforts to launch aircraft in this manner, including a very successful program conducted by the US Navy to launch the T-2C, F-14, and F-18 aircraft, are reviewed. An analytical study was conducted for the launch of the F-16, F-15, A- 10, A-7D and F-4E from inclined ramps. The takeoff ground roll, stabilizer trim setting, landing gear loads and flight trajectory are reported. The F-15 was selected as a candidate aircraft for a USAF flight test program to be patterned after the Navy program and additional studies were performed. Perturbations in center of gravity, thrust, and ramp exit angle were investigated. A ramp contour was designed for launch of the F-15, F-16, A-7D and A-10 which minimized the length and height of the ramp while maintaining the landing gear loads below 90 percent of their design limit.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA237265

Entities

People

  • Elijah W. Turner

Organizations

  • Wright Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Aircraft
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight
  • Flight Speeds
  • Gravity
  • Landing Gear
  • Level Flight
  • Nose Wheels
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.