Surface Effects Take Off and Landing Aircraft.
Abstract
A surface effects machine which is also structured and configurated to function as a distributed load (i.e., span loaded, or flying wing) transport type aircraft. The aircraft has a wing-fuselage portion essentially in the form of an isosceles trapezoid, with the larger base disposed as the leading edge, and with the two legs forming two trailing edges and having a flap along the entire length of each trailing edge. A plurality of inflatable and extendable skegs are disposed under, and are connected, to the wing portion of the aircraft to utilized the catamaran principle. Additionally, the skegs are used in combination with the large flaps to capture air under the wing and, assisted by the ram effect, to shorten take off and landing distances, and even to allow landingss at zero forward speeds. The aircraft can carry heavy payloads (130 to 220 tons) efficiently over long distances; can loiter; and can land on any reasonably flat surface (including land, water, ice, snow, sand and the like) without the need of runways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 22, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADD009198
Entities
People
- Thomas G. Belden
Organizations
- United States Department of the Air Force