ROUGH-WATER DITCHING INVESTIGATION OF A MODEL OF A JET TRANSPORT WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED AND WITH VARIOUS DITCHING AIDS

摘要

The rough-water ditching characteristics of a jet transport airplane with the landing gear extended and with various ditching aids were investigated at the Langley tank catapult. A dynamic model with certain portions of the model approximately scale strength was used to determine the probable ditching behavior and to some extent the resultant damage. The ditching aids included two sets of twin hydro-skis, two sets of twin hydrofoils, and a single hydrofoil. The rough-water tests were made in waves 4 feet high by 200 feet long and k feet high by 120 feet long (full scale). Data were obtained from visual observations, acceleration records, and motion pictures.nA rough-water ditching with the landing gear retracted will likely result in most of the fuselage bottom being torn away and the airplane sinking within a very short time. Ditching with the landing gear extended will likely result in a dive if the main gear does not fail or in a deep run with appreciable damage throughout the fuselage bottom if the main gear fails. Hydro-skis or hydrofoils may be used to improve the ditching performance and minimize the amount of damage to the fuselage bottom.