The feasibility, performance and cost effectiveness of a family of air cushion vehicles (ACV) and air cushion trailers (ACT) are investigated. A standard off-road environment is developed and a typical Army off-road logistics mission defined. Through the use of a mathematical deterministic model, optimum vehicles with and without wheels are compared with conventional off-road vehicles in current use and those contemplated for the 1965-70 time frame. Analytical expressions are developed for wheel performance in a variety of terrains and the advantages of off loading for optimum performance determined. A cost methodology is proposed and used for the purpose of comparing air cushion vehicles with other off-road vehicles and the Chinook helicopter. Results strongly indicate the necessity of fitting wheels of overland ACV's and the need for reciprocating rather than turbine engines for lift and locomotion if the maximum cost effectivity is to be achieved. (Author)
Operational Analysis of the Use of Air Cushion Vehicles in Support of the Army's Off-Road Logistic Mission
1963
231 pages
Report
No indication
English
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