Ditching Tests with a 1/10-Size Model of the Army A-20A Airplane in Langley Tank No. 2 and on an Outdoor Catapult

摘要

Tests with a dynamically similar model of the Army A-20A airplane were made to determine the best way to land the airplane in calm and rough water and to determine its probable ditching performance. The behavior was studied by making visual observations, by recording longitudinal decelerations, and by taking motion pictures of the landings. From these studies the conclusions that follow were drawn. If the waves are short, or the crests are parallel to the flight path, or the water is calm, a smooth ditching with the nose remaining clear will probably result if the airplane is landed laterally level in a tail-down attitude. The airplane should be in the lightest possible weight condition; partial power and full flaps should be used to make a landing as slowly as possible. In a swell the airplane should be landed parallel to the crest of the swell, if possible. If there is no swell, the airplane should be ditched along the waves across moderate winds; but when the condition of the sea indicates that higher winds exist (see Aerology for Pilots,' McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1943), then it may be advisable to land into the wind and attempt to contact a wave near the top on the windward side.