OPERATIONAL EVALUATION OF THE SK-5 AIR CUSHION VEHICLE IN ALASKA

The report discusses the evaluation of the SK-5 air cushion vehicle, during operations on terrain typical of central Alaska. The intent of the evaluation was to consider the SK-5 as representative of the state of the art rather than as a candidate for a specific military role in Alaska. The study included tests to: determine slope-climbing ability; measure skirt drag; identify maneuverability as a function of surface conditions; determine air flow characteristics through the gap between the skirt and ground; and to identify the change in cushion pressure as a function of obstacle geometry. The test procedures and results are discussed. Conclusions for each test are drawn as is an overall conclusion concerning the potential value of air cushion vehicles in helping to solve Alaskan transportation problems. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

  72 Lyme Road
  Hanover, NH  United States  03755-1290
• Authors:
  • Liston, R A
• Publication Date: 1973-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 47 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Cold weather; Drag; Evaluation; Explosives; Furnaces; Ground effect; Maneuverability; Operations; Performance; Slopes; State of the art; Terrain; Testing; Trafficability; Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Alaska; Arctic Regions
• Old TRIS Terms: A; Arctic area; Arctic transportation; Climbing performance; Open hearth furnaces; Performance engineering; Sk-5 vehicles; Slope climbing
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00051733
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CRREL-TR-243 Tech Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 25 1974 12:00AM